Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw in training at the Oriam yesterday ahead of this Sunday’s NatWest 6 Nations clash against France at BT Murrayfield.

Maitland believes ‘little tweaks’ can turn fortunes

The stats showed Scotland’s effort couldn’t be faulted in the NatWest 6 Nations opener in Cardiff, but the direction was all wrong.

Sean Maitland, favourite to be recalled to replace the injured Byron McGuigan against France on Sunday, revealed that some players ran 7,500 metres in the match – a hefty total even in the modern game – in what turned out to be a crushing loss.

“That’s pretty massive and shows it was a fast game,” said the wing. “But it also shows we just need little tweaks. The work-rate is there, but what it came down to is working hard, working smart.

“We were working hard but not in the right places, pretty much.”

The aim is now to put that right for France, and reward the Murrayfield crowd who have been so supportive.

“The fans are expecting more of us after what we have done over the last 18 months,” continued Maitland. “Everyone (in the squad) knows that.

“That is why we are so upset about Wales. The good thing about rugby is the weeks go fast and we have an opportunity to put things right.”

France will certainly be no pushovers, and are on the brink themselves after their last-gasp loss to Ireland, he added.

“They were very unlucky,” he said. “Take a spanking or lose like that, I’m not sure how you’d like to lose.

“Those boys looked like they were hurting after the game. They’re in a similar situation to us, both picked up losses first up and we can’t afford to lose a second game.

“They’ve had a bit of a transitional phase as well. Their team in the last two years hasn’t been consistent.

“Looking at the footage, looking at club rugby as well, they’re full of exciting players, full of X factor, the guys on the wings especially.

“It’s been interesting doing our analysis on them. We know they’re always going to have that X factor, that French flair, so our defence is going to be really important.”

But the bottom line is that the Scots have to want that restorative win more than their visitors.

“Exactly, it’s game over for whoever loses,” he went on.

“We know this is a really important game. The good thing for us is we’re playing at home and our form over the last two years has been really good at home.

“It’s a must-win game for us.”

Picture: SNS.