Scotland have been chasing an elusive Six Nations title since 1999 (when they last claimed victory in the 'Five Nations' format), though the European nations know full well not to underestimate the punch a Scotland team can deliver on their day.

First of all, Scotland will always struggle against the other six nations in the resource department, with the base of their players coming from their only two professional clubs (namely Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors).

Nonetheless, Scotland compensate with passion, and are arguably one of the most physical sides in world rugby. After upsetting England at Murrayfield in March last year, they gave the World Champion Springboks the fright of their life in November (eventually going down 10-14).

There were however, as expected, a good few bumps for Frank Hadden's men in between. But Scotland ended their autumn campaign on a high (thrashing Canada 41-0), while Edinburgh and Glasgow have both played some encouraging rugby this season.

With their opening Test against Wales - the defending Grand Slam champions - Scotland's potential in this year's tournament will be gauged from the very start...

Strengths & Weaknesses: Scotland's biggest strength is undoubtedly their forward power. Although they do possess one or two exciting backs and possibly the most accurate goal-kicker in the game (veteran Chris Paterson).

Their front row has been bolstered in recent games by the destructive scrumming prowess of their in-form tighthead, Euan Murray, although Scotland might have to do without the Northampton man's services for the opening clash against Wales, with Murray recovering from a rib injury.

The biggest area of perceived weakness in the Scottish camp however is at flyhalf. While Dan Parks, Phil Godman and Chris Paterson have all featured at pivot, Parks is inconsistent, Godman doesn't have the most reliable boot while Paterson is more suited to fullback.

Promising new Glasgow youngster Ruaridh Jackson has been making noises in Celtic circles, though a little wet behind the ears and surely not the answer to Scotland's inability to turn pressure into points.

Coach & Captain: Under coach Frank Hadden, Scotland has been as high up as seventh in the IRB World Rankings, while he's lead the Scots to two Calcutta Cup victories over the auld enemy, England.

Scotland have endured some disappointing results since their World Cup exit during the quarterfinal stages in 2007, and many of the supporting public have called for his head. However, due to the lack of coaching expertise and finances within the SRU, Hadden seems to be the best man available.

Scrumhalf Mike Blair has enjoyed the captaincy since first donning the captain's armband against Ireland during last year's Six Nations tournament. His leadership qualities in recent outings have been highlighted by his standout performances on the pitch, and sitting at halfback he is justly poised to ensure harmony between forwards and backs.

If in doubt or danger, Hadden can always call on another seasoned campaigner, former captain Jason White.

Lions to watch: Mike Blair has already been tipped to captain the British and Irish Lions, while prop Euan Murray has been touted as the top contender for the red No.3 shirt.

Ironically, Blair's No.9 competitor, Chris Cusiter, is the only player amongst the current stock to have earned Lions colours (on the unsuccessful New Zealand tour of 2005).

Apart from Blair and Murray, other potential candidates would have to come from the forward pack. Back row forward Simon Taylor is a solid performer who has the advantage of being versatile in the second row, while skilled flank John Barclay could also be handed a wildcard.

2008 Position:  5th place - 1W 4L - 2 pts

Home Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh

iafrica.com Prediction:  Scotland's forwards should continue to provide a strong platform, although turning that pressure into points is going to be paramount - Scotland's lack of cohesion at halfback could prove to be their Achilles heel. Fortunately, defence has never been much of an issue for the Scots. They're not going to win the title, but they should claim at least two big scalps this year.

Scotland Six Nations squad:

Backs: Mike Blair (Edinburgh, captain), Ben Cairns (Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (Perpignan/France), Simon Danielli (Ulster/Ireland), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Rob Dewey (Ulster/Ireland), Thom Evans (Glasgow), Max Evans (Glasgow), Phil Godman (Edinburgh), John Houston (Edinburgh), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow), Sean Lamont (Northampton/England), Rory Lawson (Gloucester/England), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow), Dan Parks (Glasgow), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh), Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh), Simon Webster (Edinburgh).

Forwards: John Barclay (Glasgow), Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow), Kelly Brown (Glasgow), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh), Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester/England), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Scott Gray (Northampton/England), Dougie Hall (Glasgow), Craig Hamilton (Edinburgh), Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh), Nathan Hines (Perpignan/France), Allister Hogg (Edinburgh), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow), Moray Low (Glasgow), Euan Murray (Northampton/England), Scott Newlands (Edinburgh), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester/England), Simon Taylor (Stade Français/France), Jason White (Sale/England).
 
Schedule:

Sun, Feb 8 Scotland v Wales 15.00 (15.00 GMT) Murrayfield
Sat, Feb 14 France v Scotland 15.00 (14.00 GMT) Stade de France
Sat, Feb 28 Scotland v Italy 15.00 (15.00 GMT) Murrayfield
Sat, Mar 14 Scotland v Ireland 17.00 (17.00 GMT) Murrayfield
Sat, Mar 21 England v Scotland 15.30 (15.30 GMT) Twickenham

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