Greig out to erase lingering memory of World Cup woe
Four years ago, Greig Laidlaw was literally the picture of despair.
Scotland’s World Cup captain was photographed trying in vain to get referee Craig Joubert to reconsider his – erroneous – decision to award Australia a penalty that capped a cascade of Scottish mistakes, and allowed the Wallabies to pip the Dark Blues to a semi-final berth.
Does that memory still drive him on as Scotland head for rugby’s showpiece in Japan?
“It’s big, of course it is. The last World Cup still burns away inside me and it always will,” admits the 68- timescapped scrum-half, speaking as Scotland extended their kit deal with Macron.
“But we won’t get it back, so we’re trying to put our energy into this one, take our learnings from that game, and that tournament, into this time round.
“It would obviously be good to be in a quarter-final. But we can’t look past the first game. We’ve got Ireland first up in a difficult pool, so we
need to negotiate the pool first and then take it from there.”
Previously, Ireland and Wales have complained that their France- based players have been tired. But Laidlaw, who’s spent the past two years with Clermont, joined the training squad looking fresh.
“I’ve played a full season, and have literally just come off a big final with Clermont, so I’m in good shape,” says the Borderer.
“I can only speak for Clermont, but the way I’ve been looked after is exceptional, from the medical and strength- andconditioning side right through to the coaches.
“That was part of the reason I went to Clermont. I knew France scrum- half Morgan Parra was there and that I wouldn’t have to start games every week. That’s really helped me, especially this season.
“I’ve played when I’m fresh. I’m really happy with how I’ve performed for Clermont and I feel I’m in good shape.
“It’s been excellent. You feel as though you’re playing in big games every week.
“Now I’m looking forward to the challenge of trying to get to the World Cup.
“You’re always attempting to add stuff to your game, and hopefully defensively I’m a little bit stronger. That’s something I’ve worked hard on.
“Since going over to France, I try to play quickly all the time. If the ball is quick, we’re good to go.
“You’re certainly always trying to develop that, and Gregor Townsend is big on his support lines from scrum-half.
“That’s something new I’ve been trying to work on. But underpinning it all is the way I see the game, and my ability to control things like goalkicking. I’ve got to make sure I look after what I do well.”
That he does, as he has current incumbent Ali Price plus George Horne – who has been praised for his pace – and Henry Pyrgos vying for the No.9 jersey.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, I feel I can win the shirt back.
“I’ll fight to the death for my jersey,” nods 33-year-old Laidlaw.
“George is fast and he’s an excellent rugby player who has played well for Glasgow.
“But I’m very fast in my top two inches and that’s where you need to be fast.”