TOONY’S TIGERS

RUGBY ALL THE LATEST Calder claims Scots can maul rivals and fight for World Cup

FINLAY CALDER insists fortune can favour the brave for a Scotland side capable of winning the World Cup.

The former Scots and Lions flanker is convinced Gregor Townsend’s side are coming to the boil in time for the tournament launch in Japan next September.

Scotland will open their Pool A campaign against Six Nations rivals Ireland in Yokohama and Calder believes evidence is piling up that they can be genuine contenders.

He said: “Everything is geared towards the World Cup as we have a side which is young enough to make a real impact.

“I believe Wales will be the dark horse – they look formidable – and Scotland will also do very well.

“Let’s be honest, the last six months have been beyond Gregor’s and everyone else’s wildest dreams.

“It has been a period where we should have beaten the All Blacks, we thrashed Australia, we beat England and then France.

“These are the powerhouses of world rugby and Scotland are on an ever-rising trajectory because there is now that belief.

“This is a side which plays for one another and that’s what I sensed when I was invited for lunch with them last month.

“There’s a real sense the boys want to play for each other.

“Can Scotland win it? On the evidence of the last six months they have absolutely nothing to fear.

“You look at England and France and they are exhausted. There’s no easy solution to that but we have looked after our players.

“Our Achilles heel used to be injuries and we didn’t have the depth but we have the depth now.

“We have a front row packed full of options and Richie Gray is now back in harness. I just feel we have a far stronger front five.”

Calder also has praise for Vern Cotter, who was replaced by Townsend, right, as boss, for leading a change in mentality that has transformed Scotland from a side used to making up the numbers.

He said: “Vern has put Gregor on a good path, there’s no doubt about that.

“As a rugby nation we are forever in Vern’s debt. Gregor has taken Vern’s work forward and there’s now a sense of optimism.

“Scotland showed excellence during the Six Nations and you can sense a belief they can go toe to toe with anybody.”

Calder also insists the Scots have taken a lead from Ireland on how to grow a sport that is relatively new to professionalism.

He said: “The onset of professionalism has set Scottish rugby on a positive path. Look at the Irish.

“Nobody has embraced professionalism within the sport better than the Irish. You can also see why that is the case because it’s the only pro sport they have there.” FINLAY CALDER was speaking on the day he picked up a cheque from University of Edinburgh Men’s Rugby Club for the charity of Doddie Weir, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease almost two years ago.

Calder said: “Doddie’s foundation has received unbelievable support. It’s a privilege to help.”