Wales vs Scotland - Talking Points

Wales and Scotland open this season's NatWest 6 Nations Championship when they meet at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at some of the talking points heading into the game.

Can both sides shrug off crippling injury situations?

Injuries have dominated the build-up to this season's tournament, with all countries having their fair share, but Wales must wonder what they have done to upset the rugby Gods. They go into the Scotland clash without nine senior internationals - Sam Warburton, Jonathan Davies, Taulupe Faletau, Dan Biggar, Dan Lydiate, Rhys Webb, Liam Williams, Rhys Priestland and Jake Ball - with seven of those players being British and Irish Lions. Scotland, meanwhile, have seen their front-row resources decimated, with experienced lock Richie Gray being another notable absentee. Wales boss Warren Gatland and his opposite number Gregor Townsend know there is little they can do about it, and it is now a chance for others to step up.

Will Scotland overcome their away-day blues?

The Scots are making considerable strides under new head coach Townsend, which was underlined during an outstanding autumn campaign when they crushed...