Rugby Union: Hastings eyes soft centre

TYPICALLY of the Five Nations' most inventive planners, Scotland expect to succeed against Wales tomorrow just where England famously failed, writes Hugh Bateson.

The Dragons' (as they now expect to be called) fierce midfield tackling was the rock upon which England's Grand Slam dream cracked, but Scotland claim to have detected a soft centre.

Scott Hastings, who knows all about midfield encounters, is expecting to come out on top after another tough battle tomorrow against a contender for his Lions' place. 'Scott Gibbs is extremely sharp at taking his opportunities,' he said. 'But we detected a few weaknesses in his game against Australia and Graham Shiel and myself will be hoping to find a chink of light in what is a very strong defence.'

In fact, Hastings played every card at his disposal in the psychological game yesterday, from the Murrayfield factor - 'It's a proud place. The crowd push us on and we'll be looking to keep our good record going' - to the inspiration of coach Ian McGeechan, whose last Edinburgh international this will be - 'We let him down badly in Paris, so we'll be giving it our all to make sure that doesn't happen again.'

Ireland were building up rather more prosaically to their attempt to win their first Five Nations game for three years when they play France at Lansdowne Road. Their hooker, Terry Kingston, will play, despite 12 stitches in a gash on his eyebrow, as will the enigmatic lock, Neil Francis, who has a calf injury.

Chalmers' charms, page 30