Wales vs Scotland: With the Doddie Weir on the Line, Who Will Triumph?

127 matches have gone by between these two northern hemisphere rugby giants since they first clashed in 1883 - Wales taking home 74 wins, Scotland grabbing 50, and there being three draws. Will Wales keep hold of the glory of the Doddie Weir cup or will a sea of blue see that the trophy returns to its homeland? With all of the action kicking off at 14:15 GMT, 12th of February 2022, let's see whom will leave the Principality Stadium in Cardiff with big smiles on their faces.

Overview of Wales

The Welsh are always strong contenders in the Six Nations, and are the current holders of the Doddie Weir Cup, having clinched a one-point victory against the Scots at Murrayfield last year. With a strong history in the game, backed up by exciting young prospects, let's see what chances Wales have of claiming a 75th victory against Scotland in front of their home fans.

The Strength of the Welsh Manager

The Head Coach for Wales is the surprising choice of New Zealander Wayne Pivac. It looked a strong possibility that the WRU would trigger the release clause in his contract after the team lost ten out of 13 tests in 2020, but a turn-around in 2021, with Wales having won last year's Six Nations, has meant the Union have agreed to honour his contract till 2023. Having coached Wales to half-decent results during the Autumn Internationals, the team could be on to big things in this year's edition of the tournament.

The Strength of the Welsh Captain

The current Wales captain is Alun Wyn Jones. Rugby fans from around the world will recognise his name, given that he is the most-capped player in rugby history with a phenomenal 161 appearances: 149 for Wales and 12 for the British Lions as one of only four players ever to compete in four tours (2021, 2017, 2013, and 2009). As captains go, few offer the same level of motivation to players, so Wales and Welsh fans alike will be hugely disappointed that a shoulder injury suffered against New Zealand in the Autumn Internationals 2021 will keep him side-lined. Nevertheless, we are sure that the rugby legend will still be a key face in the Wales set-up, offering inspiring words to the team as they attempt to defend their 2021 crown.

The Best of the Welsh Squad: Ones to Watch

There have been many top players from Wales in recent history, but with many currently injured or being unsure for a starting place, we are going to focus on the most likely shining stars for the 2022 Six Nations.

The Strength of the Welsh 16th Man

The Welsh identity is built around the national sport of Rugby Union. Rugby Union gave the small nation of Wales a chance to be on top of the world. The game may have originated in the public schools of England, but the working class, even as far back as the 1890s, embraced this gutsy sport and made it their own. Now, the Principality stadium can't help but resonate with the loud and proud voices of Welsh fans, so that it is the loudest stadium in the Six Nations competition. Wales were even the first team to accept the All Blacks challenge of the famous haka with a roaring rendition of their national song.

All in all, there are a lot of reasons to see why the 16th man for Wales will be a crucial part of the match and will give the Welsh XV a fantastic advantage in morale.

Overview of Scotland

Scotland will have an uphill struggle in week two, especially playing away at the Principality Stadium. After a gruelling week against England in week one, however, will they feel less pressure and go on to reclaim the Doddie Weir Cup? Let's take a look at the Scottish set-up.

The Strength of the Scottish Manager

Scotland are currently led by Gregor Townsend, who began his tenure as Head Coach in 2017. Aside from his current role, he also brings a wealth of experience as the Assistant to the Scotland A side, the Backs Coach for the national side, and as the Forwards Coach for Scotland the year after.

Throughout all of his roles, Townsend has managed to take the Scottish team to their first test win against Australia since 1982 and an unprecedented 38-38 comeback draw against England. Many fans of Scotland rugby will know they have tough odds coming up against Wales, but that Gregor Townsend will be the one to help the team pull of an upset, if at all.

The Strength of the Scottish Captain

Exeter Chiefs fans will certainly be excited and gutted in equal measure to see their man Stuart Hogg taking the helm for Scotland in the 2022 Six Nations. With 87 caps in his own right, his legend may not be ground-shaking in the same way of Alun Wyn Jones, but he will certainly be a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. Fresh for the fight, we expect to see top-class rugby from the full-back - perhaps even a few more tries to add to the highest all-time record for Scotland.

The Best of the Scottish Squad: Ones to Watch

The Strength of the Scottish 16th Man

Scotland’s national sport is Football, but their passion for Rugby is there for all to see when you hear the Scots singing Flower of Scotland. They have had crowds over 100,000 fans at past home matches, but a crowd of equal magnitude is unlikely at an away match, never mind the situation with Covid. Whilst you can expect to see a few blue shirts cheering on the badge of the thistle, the Principality Stadium is going to be an ocean of red, and the Scots' 16th man is going to be all but a mumble in comparison.

Our Overall Wales vs Scotland Match Prediction Winner

It's going to be a wonderful contest. Scotland are building for the future and coming off the back of decent results in the Autumn Internationals series. The team will be in high spirits, and they have a lot of talented players with flair.

Wales will be getting up to full strength, with players coming back from injury who will want to re-stamp their mark on Welsh rugby. Although they will be missing their beloved captain, they will still have strong leadership and the talent to back up the great Welsh passion for the game.

Overall though, the set pieces, the advantage of experienced players, and the 16th man will be the difference. There is only going to be one winner, and the Principality is going to be joyous when Wales retain the Doddie Weir Cup.