Scotland have flattered to deceive on far too many occasions in recent years, but the downward spiral in fortunes was best exemplified by a terrible 2009 Six Nations Championship which saw them finish second bottom of the table.

The disappointing results led to coach Frank Hadden being relieved of his post, but despite their recent woes Scotland have some excellent players in their squad, led by captain and scrum-half Mike Blair.

Blair led by example throughout the 2009 campaign, but his best efforts were still not enough to earn him a place in the British and Irish Lions squad chosen for the tour to South Africa.

Scotland also have one of the most accurate goalkickers in international rugby union. Chris Paterson rarely misses whenever he lines up a kick and he is also a gifted all-round player who can slot in at fly-half, full-back and on the wing.

Winger Sean Lamont gives Scotland a cutting edge and his brother, Rory, has emerged as one to watch at full-back, while Scotland also have several talented forwards at their disposal, which makes their recent travails more difficult to comprehend.

Number eight Simon Taylor is one of the best in the business, hooker Ross Ford is also making a big name for himself and Nathan Hines remains as dependable as ever in the second row.

Hines was one of only two Scots named by coach Ian McGeechan in his initial squad for the 2009 Lions tour to South Africa, the other being prop Euan Murray.