Scotland Must Improve to Match Their Potential in Six Nations 2026
Pierre Schoeman, Scotland's first-choice prop, knows the team needs to work on their mental resilience if they are going to match their potential in the upcoming Six Nations. This season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Scotland as they face Italy in Rome and will then travel to Melbourne to play Uruguay.
Schoeman emphasizes that it's not just about physical performance but also about mental toughness. "It has to come out now and then," he says. "Fight ugly." The team needs to be ruthless, more often. Physically and mentally. Defence and attack are key areas where Scotland can improve.
Scotland's squad is undoubted in terms of quality, but their frailties are impossible to miss. In the past, they have struggled with soft beginnings to Tests, panic when well on top, overplaying, error counts, poor discipline adding pressure, players going off script, chances butchered, and lack of mental resilience.
Schoeman acknowledges that these issues will not be resolved overnight but is confident that with hard work and a focus on accountability, the team can improve. "Call each other out, peer to peer," he emphasizes. "Correct it immediately. Positive energy but accountability. That's something we really hammer down on."
Scotland faces Italy in Rome first, where they will attempt to kick-start their Six Nations campaign. The team needs to be better at closing games out and converting chances. With a strong squad and the right mentality, Scotland can match their potential and make a significant impact in the tournament.
Schoeman's words of wisdom highlight the importance of mental resilience and accountability in rugby. As the team prepares for the Six Nations, they must focus on these areas to overcome their weaknesses and achieve success.
Pierre Schoeman, Scotland's first-choice prop, knows the team needs to work on their mental resilience if they are going to match their potential in the upcoming Six Nations. This season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Scotland as they face Italy in Rome and will then travel to Melbourne to play Uruguay.
Schoeman emphasizes that it's not just about physical performance but also about mental toughness. "It has to come out now and then," he says. "Fight ugly." The team needs to be ruthless, more often. Physically and mentally. Defence and attack are key areas where Scotland can improve.
Scotland's squad is undoubted in terms of quality, but their frailties are impossible to miss. In the past, they have struggled with soft beginnings to Tests, panic when well on top, overplaying, error counts, poor discipline adding pressure, players going off script, chances butchered, and lack of mental resilience.
Schoeman acknowledges that these issues will not be resolved overnight but is confident that with hard work and a focus on accountability, the team can improve. "Call each other out, peer to peer," he emphasizes. "Correct it immediately. Positive energy but accountability. That's something we really hammer down on."
Scotland faces Italy in Rome first, where they will attempt to kick-start their Six Nations campaign. The team needs to be better at closing games out and converting chances. With a strong squad and the right mentality, Scotland can match their potential and make a significant impact in the tournament.
Schoeman's words of wisdom highlight the importance of mental resilience and accountability in rugby. As the team prepares for the Six Nations, they must focus on these areas to overcome their weaknesses and achieve success.