Scots must fight fire with fire to make it through

SIR IAN McGEECHAN knows what Scotland have to do to make sure they qualify for the knock-out stages of the Rugby World Cup.

The Scots lost to South Africa in St James’s Park yesterday after a brutal, bruising encounter.

But after beating Japan and USA previously, they know that a win against Samoa back in Newcastle on Saturday will see them safely into the quarter-finals.

However, in order to get the best of the big South Sea islanders, the former Scotland and Lions coach suggests they have to meet fire with fire in what will be another physical match.

Asked what has to change from yesterday’s defeat, McGeechan said: “The front five have got to carry the ball.

“Some of the big players have got to carry and get these backs on the front foot to attack.

“South Africa showed what you can do on the front foot. It’s a different ball game and that’s what Scotland have to do against another big, powerful running, big-tackling side next week.”

Scotland coach Vern Cotter admitted he and his side were already looking to the Samoa game.

He said: “We’ve got seven days now to prepare for Samoa, and a lot of work to do in those seven days.

“We will be able to spend a bit of time preparing and training, we haven’t been able to train that much up till now, so we’ll be able to put in a full week.

“Hopefully everybody’s fit and able to train so we’re looking forward to it.

“This one’s finished but we’ve got a firm objective in front of us in seven days’ time so we’ll swiftly move into preparing for that and all the boys will be looking forward to it.”