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Big performances are expected from the likes of Ross Ford. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

Six Nations: Scottish turnaround is vital to save their tournament

TIME may wait for no man but international rugby is certainly not waiting for Scotland to uncover its finishing touch.

Former Wales captain pours more scorn on Scotland

WELSH criticism of Scotland’s try-scoring troubles continued yesterday when former Wales captain Gwyn Jones claimed that not even rugby legends Barry John or Dan Carter could improve the situation.

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Edinburgh on the charge against a depleted Ospreys side. Picture: SNS

Edinburgh 14 - 15 Ospreys: Edinburgh sunk by brilliant solo try

EDINBURGH came agonisingly close to beating their Welsh opponents at Murrayfield last night, eventually losing by the odd point in 29. They had the platform and the chances to win but didn’t take them – where have we heard that recently?

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Charlie Hodgson lines up a kick after recovering from a shoulder injury. Picture: Getty Images

Six Nations: Stuart Lancaster givesthumbs-up to brave recruits

STUART Lancaster has given his young England rugby side two crucial commodities before they take the field against Italy in the RBS Six Nations at the Stadio Olimpico today.

It is hopes that Greig Laidlaw can show the imagination he has for Edinburgh. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Allan Massie: It’s not how you start, Scotland, it’s how you finish

WELL, at least Scotland will not be burdened with the tag of favourites tomorrow. Although Warren Gatland is cagey enough to dampen down expectations of a comfortable victory for Wales, you would be hard put to find any pundit prophesying a Scottish win.

International

Six Nations: Blurring of boundaries adds intrigue to clash

Andy Robinson and Stuart Lancaster during the Six Nations launch. Picture: Getty

Scotland centre Sean Lamont hands off Welsh fly half Stephen Jones. Picture: Getty

Six Nations: Millennium meltdown in the past for Sean Lamont

SEAN Lamont can remember the last time he faced Wales in the Millennium Stadium, but he wishes he couldn’t.

Wales U20 25 - 15 Scotland U20: Young Scots take first-half punishment

JAMIE Farndale gave coach Peter Wright something to cheer about as he grabbed two tries in the final ten minutes to allow the Scotland Under-20s to salvage some pride in Wales last night.

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Gregor Townsend wants a measured approach to try-scoring. Picture: Getty

Six Nations: Townsend cautions against ‘too much enthusiasm’

COMPOSURE under pressure is the key to Scotland winning against the odds in Cardiff tomorrow, according to Gregor Townsend.

Six Nations: Warren Gatland still seeking suitable punishment for card offenders

WALES coach Warren Gatland has revealed he suggested imposing fines of up to £30,000 for players who receive needless yellow cards.

Six Nations backs referee Barnes over decisive penalty

THE International Rugby Board and RBS Six Nations have exonerated referee Wayne Barnes of blame for Ireland’s 23-21 defeat by Wales.

Club rugby

Jamie Murray will miss the Ayr game. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Ayr look to re-ignite title hopes

AYR travel to Melrose this afternoon knowing that victory at the Greenyards could just about catapult them back into an intriguing top-flight title race.

Rugby: Edinburgh fringe men must step up for Ospreys’ visit

IF EDINBURGH were making heavy weather of climbing the RaboDirect PRO12 prior to the RBS Six Nations they would seem to face a battle now with nine of their first-line players missing.

Ruaridh Jackson scored 14 points for Glasgow. Picture: SNS

Glasgow 19-9 Scarlets: Returning Ruaridh Jackson in fine form as he kicks Glasgow to win

ALTHOUGH they exhibited the current Scottish trait of not being able to put their opponents away when clearly the better side, Glasgow did quite enough to win this RaboDirect PRO12 match at Firhill.

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Rugby: Georgian No. 8 Basilaia in frame for Edinburgh move

Edinburgh Rugby are poised to enter the transfer market again by signing a Georgian internationalist who played against Scotland at last year’s World Cup.

Ulises Gamboa will join Edinburgh until the end of the season. Picture: Getty

Rugby: Prop Ulises Gamboa is bound for Edinburgh

EDINBURGH RUGBY strengthened their front-row reserves today with the signing of experienced Argentinian prop Ulises Gamboa from RaboDirect PRO12 rivals Aironi until the end of the season.