HERO FINN’S IN THE MOOD TO TAKE ON THE WORLD

Laidlaw’s warning for Irish

IN the aftermath of the Calcutta Cup victory, Greig Laidlaw enjoyed himself. There was the evidence to prove it. There is no escaping social media these days and it didn’t take long for a video of the Scotland hero and his half-back partner Finn Russell belting out

‘Flower of Scotland’ in an Edinburgh pub to go viral.

No one grudged them their moment of jubilation, of course. The duo had played such a pivotal role in beating England, with one Russell pass probably ensuring he didn’t have to buy a drink all night. Indeed, he could be dining out on it for a while.

Now, of course, the focus is on Ireland. And Laidlaw is tipping the Scotland No10 to once again come to the fore. If Gregor Townsend’s men are going to cause an upset in Dublin tomorrow, they are going to need both men on song.

‘When Finn is in this confident mood, as he is just now, we feel as though we can break any defence in the world,’ said Laidlaw.

‘It is brilliant to play alongside him. The players around him, in the back division and the forwards, love having him there as he has such a sharp pass.

‘Finn was exceptional against England and will go into the Ireland game in great form. The way he attacked and found space for players around him against them was fantastic. He makes it look very easy at times but I can assure you it is not.

‘The way he defends is a side of his game that people don’t see but he is a brave and good tackler at fly-half. He is a strong character, he likes a laugh and a joke but he is serious about his rugby.

‘He is a determined guy and such a hard worker. He is a worldclass player who is on his game going into the Ireland match.’

Laidlaw and Russell (below) will have to get the better of two players they know and hugely respect against Ireland to make their mark.

Scrum-half Conor Murray and fly-half Johnny Sexton are arguably are the best half-back partnership in world rugby — who were first choice for the British and Irish Lions on their tour of New Zealand last summer.

Laidlaw was on the whole tour and Russell was called up briefly and while neither saw action against the All Blacks, they did see the Irishmen close up.

‘We know the quality we will be facing as both Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton are very good players and very good kickers,’ said Laidlaw. ‘Kicking is a big part of Murray’s game and his box kicks are more often than not on the money. He gives his chasers time to compete or regather the ball.

‘Any front foot ball Johnny Sexton likes. He likes the little wrap around plays and stuff like that. He has a lot of tricks up his sleeve and he is a very skilful player. Both of them are.

‘If we want to be in the game at the weekend we will need to defend well against them both.

‘Ireland will run a couple of times but with the pair of them in their team, if their path shuts up they will look to kick and get into our half that way.

‘I did get to know them on the Lions tour and they are good guys. They are serious about their rugby but were able to relax as well so have a good balance.

‘It was good to train alongside them with the Lions, especially Conor Murray, to sort of get to see him close up. That gave me a better understanding of him but I am sure that Conor and Johnny won’t hold anything back at the weekend and neither will we.

‘Look, we have to be confident going to Dublin because we can take things from our victory over them last year in the Six Nations at BT Murrayfield.

‘If we are serious about challenging for the title, then we need to win this game. They are unbeaten so far for a reason but we are ready to meet their challenge head on.’

If Scotland were to win, there would no doubt be some memorable celebrations. But whether Laidlaw would resort to his shirt-ripping antics of before, well, perhaps not...

‘Yes, I have recovered from that night!’ said a smiling Laidlaw. ‘That was a good night and why we play the game, to enjoy good times with your mates, who work hard for each other. ‘The England game is one you watch when you are growing up as a youngster and can only imagine yourself being part of it and winning it.

‘So to be able to do it is very special. I can still see the final whistle and the celebrations. It was tremendous. But it’s one game in the Championship and we have the Calcutta Cup back at Murrayfield and that will rest here for a year.

‘That was good but now it is back to work for what is a hugely important week for the team. It is all about the Ireland game and moving forward.’