Sports Then and Now

Andy Robinson is comfortable in how he is preparing his Scottish team for the Rugby World Cup.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has defended Scotland’s preparations ahead of the upcoming World Cup, insisting two warm up games are more than enough for his side to get in shape for the tournament next month.

Robinson’s side pulled off a surprise win at Murrayfield last week over Ireland, running in a late try to record a 10-6 victory.

Next they face Italy in two weeks’ time while their Northern Hemisphere rivals play this weekend  and the Tri Nations continues with South Africa taking on Australia, prompting suggestions the Scots could be undercooked when they take to the field for their first game at the World Cup against Romania on 10th September.

Those vying for a Scottish World Cup shirt will have limited time to stake a claim for a spot on the plane to New Zealand compared to the rest of their rivals in Europe and beyond.

Italy and France only have two games scheduled ahead of the World Cup while England and Wales will play three warm up games with Ireland play four –  and Robinson insists there is no right or wrong way to prepare for the World Cup.

“I consider two games enough but everyone will do their preparation differently,” said Robinson.

“What’s key is that we are able to peak when we play Romania and Georgia in our pool and that’s our focus. We want to have a starting XV ready to deliver in those games.

“Our training sessions in the lead-up to the second game will be a lot more full-on and livelier for a bit longer but we’re in control of that.”

“When you’re playing Tests that you’re out of control with some of the hits that are going on.”