Consistency, consistency, consistency – that’s the message Magnus Bradbury is preaching as Scotland attempt to secure back-to-back Guinness Six Nations victories.
Scotland started their Championship campaign with a narrow defeat to Ireland before a late try saw England wrestle back the Calcutta Cup with victory at BT Murrayfield.
But an encouraging 17-0 triumph over Italy in Rome in between the two rest weekends has breathed belief throughout Scotland as they prepare to welcome France to Edinburgh.
And Bradbury, who now has 13 caps, wants Scotland to build on the momentum from their win over the Azzurri and treat their supporters by ending Les Bleus’ Grand Slam ambitions.
“Consistency is key, we’ve had a good away win in Rome and to now beat this French team at home would be a massive step in the right direction,” said the 23-year-old.
“Every time we play at Murrayfield, I look forward to it. It’s been special this year to have England at home and unfortunate not to get the result, and then France at home.
“As a team, we fancy ourselves against anyone at home so our preparations will start next week when everyone is back together.
“At the end of the day, we’re playing in front of a home crowd, it’s a great experience for everyone involved. In the Six Nations, I look forward to every game.
“It is always special at home – you get off that bus to go to the changing rooms and the senior players tell us ‘take your headphones off and listen to this when you get off the bus’.”
Speaking to The Scotsman, Bradbury said he has enjoyed the familiarity of forming part of an all-Edinburgh back row alongside clubmates Hamish Watson and Jamie Ritchie.
And despite France looking in formidable form with three wins from three, there is no doubt in Bradbury’s mind that Scotland can win – casting aside the ‘underdogs’ label.
“A French team with that kind of momentum behind them, when they play confidently, it’s going to be a tough game, a physical game and a fast game, I’m sure,” Bradbury added.
“We’re going to try our best to stop them getting the Grand Slam. Some commentators get a bit ahead of themselves but in this competition in particular, any team can beat anyone.
“So we’re going out there to win and that’s what we’re concerned about. We don’t see ourselves as underdogs, we see ourselves as a good team who can compete with anyone.
“We’re going out there preparing for another physical, fast Test match against a team who are playing some good rugby at the moment. We understand the challenge that poses.”
