Shaky Scots face a summer mauling from the powerhouse Pumas

The Scottish were very disappointing in this year’s Six Nations – beating England but losing to every other team and avoiding a second consecutive wooden spoon only by points difference. They failed in the objective, set by the SRU and Gordon McKie, the chief executive, to win 40 per cent of the 2008 Six Nations games. To set an objective to win only two games is an ugly reality about where this Scottish team is, and how far they are lagging behind the world’s premier outfits.

Frank Hadden left Edinburgh after a successful stint with the Scots’ premier domestic team to manage a national team in complete disarray after Matt Williams’ spell in charge.  When taking control of the Scotland side in 2006, he had a solid opening run, with wins over France and England in his first Six Nations. He led the squad to five victories in his first nine Tests – as well as an impressive shutdown of the Pacific Islanders at year’s end. Since then, however, Scotland have at times looked rudderless and inept in attack – which is Hadden’s expertise – and have won just eight of their last 22 internationals.

The Scottish overlord, McKie, recently announced that Hadden would be retained, as he was the best man for the job – but his coaching assistants were sent to the gallows. Hadden, in interviews, made no mention of his fallen aides; George Graham and Alan Tait. Ironically, the sacked assistants were responsible for coaching the forwards and the defensive systems – not the weakest aspect of the Scottish game. Some have whispered that Hadden needed to sacrifice them in order to extend his rapidly declining time.

Sean Lineen and former England boss Andy Robinson have been appointed as assistant coaches for the upcoming South American tour – controlling the backs and the forwards respectively. Their appointments at this time are not permanent; as this would be detrimental to Robinson’s Edinburgh and Lineen’s Glasgow Warriors. Weakening the domestic teams will not benefit the national set-up.

The bizarre aspect of these appointments is that the SRU has stated there will be a formal review at the conclusion of the Southern tour – so is this a litmus test to see if Hadden will remain? Or is it to see how someone such as Robinson, with strong coaching credentials, blends with the national team for future elevation to the supreme role.

The chief executive has stated that Robinson and Lineen may be called up again to assist Hadden in the autumn home Tests. Hosting the World Champions and the All Blacks hungry to record a third Grand Slam will be better received by a new coach ready to inject new life into the Scots, not a coach walking the Green mile.

The Scottish team is far from woeful, with enough in their engine room to match international packs and a solid if unspectacular defensive system. It is their deficiency of attacking venom, and an over-reliance on the boots of Chris Paterson and Dan Parks that prevents them competing with the first tier of nations. Former inspirational captain Jason White, as well as first choice wing Sean Lamont, will likely miss the tour and no doubt players contracted to French and English club will have the initial preparations compromised by their wealthy employers.

They will meet Argentina, currently ranked the third best team in the world, twice victors over host nation Les Bleus and beaten semi-finalists in the 2007 World Cup. New coaches Santiago Phelan and Fabian Turnes not only have the task of playing Scotland, but also of continuing the transformation of Argentina from world bit player to global powerhouse. The next four years will see Argentina endeavour to establish a professional domestic competition at home, as well as the IRB extend their sparse international schedule. The first test of this will be to see the strength of the 2008 Puma side – and it is crucial that Argentina’s elite players are not held to ransom by the European clubs.

It has been 14 years since the last Scottish team toured Argentina, and Hadden’s men will play in Rosario and Buenos Aires. This will be a dangerous trip for the Scottish team. They have only recorded the solitary victory over the Pumas, 18 long years ago. Since then, the Argentinians have had the measure of the men from Scotland, having notched six straight victories, including lowering their colours at Murrayfield on three occasions.

It will be a big test for both teams – a sleeping powerhouse needing challenges against the world’s finest and a proud nation struggling to compete against their own home unions.

PREDICTION: Argentina to whitewash Scotland 2-0.