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January 6, 2025Scotland’s rugby union team heads into the upcoming Six Nations Championship with their sights set on building some momentum for future challenges.
Fans are hoping this will be the year that Scotland reasserts themselves on the international stage, so read on as we explore what is in store for the floundering rugby powerhouse in 2025.
Six Nations
Scotland have never won the Six Nations title, but they will head into the 2025 edition with genuine hopes of improving on last year’s fourth placed finish.
They kick off their campaign against Italy at Murrayfield Stadium with payback on their minds after falling to defeat in Rome last year.
However, the real litmus test to see just how much progress they have made comes in the second round of fixtures when they welcome reigning champions Ireland to Scotland.
Ireland have been a tough nut to crack for Scotland in recent years. However, if the Scots can find chinks in the Irish armour, they could end their hoodoo and claim a huge win.
Scotland subsequently visit England and host Wales before heading to Paris for a final round showdown against France.
Given the composition of the Six Nations fixtures, finishing second in the final standings should not be beyond them.
New Zealand Tour
Scotland will embark on a mid-year trip in July when they take on the New Zealand Maori for the first time in 25 years as part of their summer tour.
The eagerly anticipated contest will take place in Whangarei on July 5. Taking on New Zealand Maori will give Scotland the chance to prepare for two subsequent Tests in the Pacific Islands.
Scotland’s upcoming tour is just as important to the Kiwi rugby community, and is guaranteed attract plenty of activity in the local betting industry.
The sportsbook featured in this 22bet review will be one of several sites which will be inundated with wagers when Scotland travel to the other side of the world.
A strong Scottish performance in the opening game could shake-up the betting markets and boost the visitors’ confidence ahead of their remaining tour matches in the Pacific Islands.
New Zealand Maori will be formidable opponents, but head coach Gregor Townsend believes they will prepare his side for the ‘physical challenges’ they will face later in the tour.
British & Irish Lions
The British & Irish Lions tour of Australia is poised to be the crowning event of 2025, and Scotland could contribute significantly to the touring party.
The squad could feature the largest Scottish representation in decades, with around ten players expected to make the cut when the announcement is made.
Blair Kinghorn is a shoo-in following a series of outstanding performances with Toulouse, while the midfield pairing of Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu continues to dominate rugby headlines.
Finn Russell’s maverick genius makes him indispensable at fly-half, and the dynamic front-row duo of Pierre Schoeman and Zander Fagerson are strong candidates. Duhan van der Merwe’s power and finishing ability should also earn him a seat on the plane.
Tom Jordan is another potential candidate for the tour. The versatile utility back has been a revelation and could edge his way into the squad as a wildcard option. The fact that he can seamlessly slot into several positions makes him a valuable asset for a tight tour schedule.
Competition for places will be tough given the array of talent head coach Andy Farrell has at his disposal, but Scottish players may dominate the squad for the tour if they showcase their talents during the Six Nations.