Greig Laidlaw: ‘No reason’ Scotland can’t make it out of their Rugby World Cup pool

Recently retired Greig Laidlaw believes there is “no reason” Scotland cannot make it out of their pool at the Rugby World Cup in France later this year.

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Scotland are placed in what is probably the toughest group in the tournament comprising of top-ranked Ireland, defending champions South Africa, Tonga and Romania.

Laidlaw is no stranger to World Cups having represented his country in several global showpieces during his 76 Test caps.

The former captain retired from international rugby in 2019 and all forms of the game earlier this week, ending a brilliant career.

Scotland can achieve “something special”

Speaking soon after his latest retirement news, Laidlaw revealed he believes the current Scotland side can have a campaign to remember in France.

“Scotland can take really big belief from the way they performed at times during the Six Nations,” he told BBC Sport.

“They’re just going to need that consistency. It’s going to be very difficult, but I truly believe Scotland can get out of the group.

“They need that self-confidence, individually and collectively. And they’ll need to play really well in those two games against South Africa and Ireland, but I think they have the players to do it.

“They might need a bit of luck along the way as well, but there’s no reason they can’t get out of the group and do something special.”

Cycles

Laidlaw is pleased with where Scotland currently find themselves after the side had a promising Six Nations campaign earlier this year.

The veteran believes the game operates in cycles and right now, Scotland is at the top of theirs. He also spoke highly of Gregor Townsend who provides the team with cohesion.

Townsend was set to leave his role after the World Cup with Scotland reportedly targeting Blues head coach Leon MacDonald. However, the former All Black has joined Scott Robertson’s New Zealand coaching staff starting on November 1, which could open the door for the Scotland boss to remain with the Test side.

“In team sports there are cycles and the team currently is at a strong point,” said Laidlaw, who scored 714 points in 76 Scotland appearances.

“When everyone is fit, the team pretty much picks itself and that goes such a long way. The squad is so settled and you get that cohesion with Gregor as the head coach.”

Scotland’s World Cup campaign kicks off against defending champions the Springboks on September 10 in Marseille.