We’ll have Wales of time not rival fans
MATT TAYLOR insists Scotland can raise the roof off the Principality Stadium by turning their fire on the Welsh Dragon.
The Dark Blues defence coach believes silencing the passion of the home support in Cardiff is key to them kicking off this Six Nations campaign with a win.
Taylor is also convinced his side can show they’re among the best on the planet when they play to their potential in the next two months.
He said: “Welsh players live in a goldfish bowl down there. It’s their major sport and they’ve won a fair amount in the past.
“When things aren’t going as well it can be tough for them – and their crowds can be tough on them. If we play well that might happen.
“The guys like playing at the Principality despite the record. If we play to our ability and execute really well we’re up there with the best in the world – as we showed in the autumn.
“We’re really confident in where we are as a nation. If we do our best in every test we’ll give ourselves an opportunity to do well in this tournament.”
Scotland’s free-scoring style during their three-game Autumn Tests has raised expectations ahead of this campaign and Taylor insists it will be that same attacking style adopted in Cardiff.
He said: “We’ve got our own style of play in how we want to play the game in attack and defence. We’re not going to change because now we’re in the Six Nations.
“We want to play with the ball in hand. We want it to be uptempo. That’s the game that we feel is going to benefit us.
“Gregor Townsend is a very astute coach. The work he did in Glasgow and now with the national team is going well.
“We’ve always got to improve and pushing ourselves. We had good results in the autumn but we need to push on.
“We’ve had a really good preparation, pushing the players physically and mentally. Hopefully the benefits come through today.”