Laidlaw: Scotland can win title
Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw says Scotland are "desperate" to beat Ireland at Murrayfield on Sunday and challenge for the Six Nations title.
After defeat to England in their Six Nations opener, the Scots bounced back superbly to beat Italy a fortnight ago.
And Edinburgh star Laidlaw says the Scots are not just planning on beating the Irish, but challenging for the title too.
"It's everybody's goal to win the tournament. Everyone wants to win the Six Nations. That's why we are here. We are where we are. We have won one game. Now we want to win a second," he said.
"We don't have a good record at home to Ireland in recent years but we want to change that, that's for sure. We desperately want to win on Sunday and start improving on that record.
"They had a very good win against Wales, with some class play from some class players. Then they had a tough one against England, it was played in some poor weather. A few things went against them and slippery ball doesn't help.
"We know the challenge that will be coming here this weekend and it's one we want to overcome. They have got three brilliant teams and one good team in Connacht in terms of provinces.
"They have a lot of good players to pick from, so it doesn't matter if there are injuries, there are good players to come in and those who do will be trying to prove a point to the coach that they should be the starters."
"It was great to win the game against Italy and now we have got to use that as a springboard. Coming off the back of a good performance, it's now about building another good show.
"But Scott has been telling us that that game is finished. Let's now try and improve on little bits and move on.
Comments
porridge_time says...
99call says...
Twaddle. Many an Irish fans thought it was merely a case of turning up to Murrayfield and the win was a cakewalk. Many an Irish fan have been carping on about this player and that player in... you guys have football mentality in the sense that you argue constantly over provincial bias.
Yes Ireland had a lot of ball and territory, but if the ruck and breakdown had been policed properly you would never have had that amount of possession, Scotland were blown off the park for the first 50mins... how on earth Ireland were given anything at the scrum amazes me, they could barely keep it straight or up... Barnes position at times was also appalling... many times he got in the way of the Scottish tackler.
Ireland may have made many line breaks, but just like Scotland against England last year at Murrayfield it came to nothing.
Ireland will get humped by France and struggle big time against Italy... they are vastly overrated and have been for a couple of years.
Posted 23:59 26th February 2013
99call says...
I am baffled at how scotland won yesterday but they did so theres nothing that can change that, as an Irishman I cant believe we lost with that amount of possession but when key elements of your set piece dont work then its difficult to get the victory but with the amount of ball we had and the scots only points scoring opportunity in the first half being a 50 metre penalty attempt the game really should have been over at half time but it wasnt so what can you do
Do i think scotland can go on and win this thing......really honestly.....no. Granted Wales havent lite the world up this year but if a couple of 21 year olds can cut the scottish backline to pieces then I would say the welsh will, then you go to Paris you wont dominate their scrum and set piece.
So the answer is definitley no you cant win the 6n I see you ending up the same as Ireland with 2 wins as France will give us a kicking next week and then we'll scrap a win in Rome
And one thing I will say to you porridge_time we have not been going on about our strength in depth its been a worry for us for years, we've got some talent coming through but theyre young but we're still missing depth in key positions ie front row so theres no necks to be wound in thank you
Posted 13:53 25th February 2013
porridge_time says...
mercatoneuno says...
Oh the second string Irish team line is a bit worn thin... each and every side is hit with injuries. The Irish fans have been banging on and on about how good your depth of pool is... I'd suggest that your defeat yesterday it's time to wind your necks in.
The match stats read that Ireland should have won comfortably... but it does not say is that they did not play as a team and could not cope with the aggressive Scots defence.
How the Irish front row managed stay on the field is beyond me, every scrum and even the free kicks and penalties against Scotland were down to the Irish now being able to hold their own.
Posted 09:09 25th February 2013
atg77 says...
@mercatoneuno... I trust you watched the game today?
Posted 18:53 24th February 2013
mercatoneuno says...
Scots win one game at home to Italy and suddenly they're championship contenders!!? Please.. They will be beaten by a second string Ireland team today, also will be beaten by both Wales and France. Will end six nations on usual haul.... 2points! They talk a good game tho..
Posted 12:49 24th February 2013
LondonWasp says...
if they beat ireland, then yes, there is no reason why scotland wont be a force to be reckoned with.
Posted 11:46 24th February 2013
porridge_time says...
Think the title is in the bag for England, cannot see Italy causing them too much difficulty or Wales for that matter, but Scotland can still took to improve on recent years and try to win their remaining games.
They will have to attack the breakdown big time today, because if they allow Ireland to control that facet then their stuffed.
Posted 11:29 24th February 2013
Patrickh says...
...to the try line.. Then cough up possession!
Posted 11:03 24th February 2013
NHsaints says...
I'll be cheering you on Scotland, but you'll have to hope England start losing before you can get the six nations title...
Posted 10:03 24th February 2013
PREEST says...
It is time Scotland rediscovered some form. The usee to be such a good side. Good Luck Scotland~
Posted 09:52 24th February 2013