SCOTLAND v AUSTRALIA:SINCE SCOTLAND have not beaten Australia since 1982, they may be a bit surprised to find themselves within the same status brackets. But there they are, both deemed to be improving, which is no mean achievement at a time when just about everybody else is being lumped together as dull as ditchwater.
November in Europe is never the kindest month for promotional work, but rarely can so many boos have been launched by so many so long before half-time. The game is kicking itself to death.
Australia arrived as the sick man of the Tri-Nations but have shown that it is a relative insult. Ben Alexander, Benn Robinson and Stephen Moore are being touted as the best frontrow in the world, and if the lineout is still a bit shaky, at least Rocky Elsom, huge on his return to Dublin, sorted it out by making himself the principal target.
Behind the forwards, Will Genia and Matt Giteau are alternating well as strike-forces. Elsom is growing in stature not just as a captain but as a runner, Genia and Giteau are on his shoulder, but lower to the ground, quicker of feet. With a backrow and half-backs in unison, teams at least have half a chance of breathing through the pillow over their face.
Scotland are perhaps a bit further back in the quest for freedom. But since they have never quite approached rugby in the same spirit as Australia, for whom Ryan Cross is a late replacement for injured Digby Ioane, it may be pointless to make too many comparisons between the threat of Giteau and the menace of Phil Godman.
Scotland, though, have a new vigour, a fresh collective drive, imparted by their coach, Andy Robinson. There is size and thrust out wide, from the Lamont brothers and Simon Danielli, but their opportunities may come from a skyward route. And it may be worth remembering Australia are very good above their heads.
So, it might be something a little more rustic. Or at least, dynamic in confined spaces. If there is an area where Scotland excel it is at close quarters. Unfortunately, the advances there come in units of yards, not the scores that open up the field.
But the weather militates against Scottish daring and, besides, boredom only strikes if both teams fall into the same trap. Australia to win, but not without a storm or three.
France flankerJulien Bonnaire has warned his team-mates not to underestimate Samoa today. (Kick-off: 5pm, Irish time).
Les Bleus host the South Sea Islanders in the second Autumn Test full of confidence following a superb victory over South Africa.
However, Bonnaire has urged his side not to feel they can let their game drop against Samoa.
“At the end of the day we’re facing it like any other game,” he said. “As usual we have to be performing to succeed in imposing ourselves. But it is a match to take seriously, we saw what they did against the Welsh. For us, it is about continuing to put our game out there.
France coach Marc Lievremont has faced criticism in some quarters for making 12 changes to the line-up that defeated the world champions.
Bayonne wing Benjamin Fall and Clermont flanker Alexandre Lapandry benefit from the changes and the 20-year-olds will make their debuts today.
Venue:Murrayfield, Edinburgh Kick-off: 5.15pm, Today
On TV:Live on BBC 2
