Slam hero’s cup message to the struggling Scots

Grand slam hero Roy Laidlaw has told Scotland to forget about winning the World Cup and merely focus on advancing from a tough Pool B.

In June 2012, Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson set the bold ambition of winning the tournament as part of a four-year plan which has yet to bear fruit.

Scotland, who finished with the six nations wooden spoon, start their World Cup campaign against Japan in Gloucester on September 23.

They play the United States ( September 27), South Africa (October 3) and then Samoa (October 10) in a potentially decisive game at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

Four years ago, for the first time, Scotland failed to advance beyond the group stage. Laidlaw believes that has to be the first target for Vern Cotter’s side, dismissing Dodson’s lofty aim as unrealistic.

Laidlaw said: “I think qualifying for the quarterfinals would be a realistic aim for us.

“I always worry about Scotland. The South Africa game is probably a bit beyond Scotland. Japan and US will be difficult but I think we can progress to the quarter-finals if we can beat Samoa.”

Laidlaw, who was scrum half in Scotland’s 1984 grand slam triumph, was speaking from Jed-Forest yesterday on the Rugby World Cup trophy tour.

Laidlaw is the uncle of Scotland’s present captain Greig Laidlaw.

Gloucester scrum half Greig is in one position where Scotland do have options, after Sam Hidalgo-Clyne impressed with Edinburgh this season.

Roy Laidlaw added: “It’s great we’ve got players like Hidalgo- Clyne coming through.”