Scotland can’t be one-hit wonders

SCOTLAND have already sent a signal of intent to their rivals in this World Cup — tomorrow they want to build on that success. Vern Cotter’s team to face the USA in Leeds shows 10 changes to that which performed so admirably against Japan. And prop Ryan Grant is determined to show that 45-10 win was no ‘flash in the pan’. ‘Consistency is the key,’ he said. ‘We can’t play well three days ago against Japan and not turn up on Sunday against the USA. ‘The key for us is to back that performance up. We don’t want to be the team that is a flash in the pan, a oneoff, we want to back it up week-in, week-out. ‘In the past, we were showing up well in some set phases and then slipping up in the next ones. ‘The key is doing things well consistently during matches. We are constantly trying to improve every game and learn from our mistakes. ‘Against the USA, we all know we have to step up our game another

notch and not let standards drop. This Scotland team need to be constantly thinking about performing to a consistent high level. ‘Against Japan, the boys brought out a good second-half performance but there is still stuff to improve on and we hope we can iron some of those creases out against the USA. ‘Against them, we need clean ball. There is no point in having a dominant scrum if we don’t unleash our backs and that is what we want to do. ‘I know expectations are now high among the fans and it is like that in the squad, too. We want to reach the quarter-finals and win all our games.’ Scotland will be captained by Glasgow scrum-half Henry Pyrgos and he is determined to lead his side to a fast start tomorrow. ‘We need to keep the momentum going,’ he said. ‘We are facing a massive challenge and need to be consistent throughout and at our best. We got exactly what we wanted against Japan but we know the USA will come really hard at us, so we have to be ready from the first kick-off.’ In an intriguing twist, Pyrgos, Grant (right) and the fellow Glasgow players in tomorrow’s line-up will come up against a future club teammate in the shape of Greg Peterson. The second row has signed for Glasgow for the new season and will introduce himself to his prospective

club-mates in the heat of battle at Elland Road. ‘I have never met any of the Scotland players who play for Glasgow and, to be honest, I don’t know too much about them,’ said Peterson. ‘I do know they are very exceptional players as I watched them play for Scotland during the Six Nations. ‘Jonny Gray won’t be playing against me tomorrow but he played really well during the Six Nations. I know he is young but a very good second-row. ‘I have huge respect for the Glasgow players in the Scotland team but it won’t be a case of me getting

to know my new teammates properly till after the World Cup is over. ‘Maybe there will be a few awkward hugs and handshakes after the game tomorrow but that will be it.’ USA coach Mike Tolkin said having one of his players on the books of such a successful side as Glasgow was a huge boost to the American national team. ‘It helps our guys and it helps our international programme for our guys to be playing full time in the top leagues in Europe,’ he said. ‘Greg, like all of our players, has a lot to offer. There is a perceived risk bringing a guy from the USA into the system, but Greg will do well with Glasgow, I am sure of that, and other players will look at his success and be inspired.’ Tolkin insisted his side was confident they could challenge Scotland and he added: ‘Athleticism and physicality are a hallmark of this team. ‘We also have some good talent in the backs and some of the recent tries we have scored against Australia and Samoa shows we are not a one dimensional team.’