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Scotland look to Argentina game and qualification

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Cuttitta calls for repeat performance

Scotland's World Cup Pool B clash with Argentina in Wellington will be crucial in their campaign.

Thursday September 15 2011

Scotland arrived in Wellington today and immediately turned their attention to Argentina and qualification from World Cup Pool B.

A 15-6 win over Georgia in Invercargill secured a fifth successive win and took Scotland to nine points from two games following last Saturday's 34-24 bonus-point defeat of Romania.

Following two games in five days, Argentina are Scotland's next opposition on September 25.

The Pumas are familiar foes and Scotland are eager to maintain their record of qualifying from the pool phase at every World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson told Press Association Sport: "Our focus now has to turn on to Argentina and understanding what a huge Test match it's going to be.

"We know that if we go and win the game we qualify from the group. That's our mentality, to go out there and win the game."

Robinson is satisfied that Scotland have accomplished their mission in their opening two games.

He added: "We're pleased with the spell we had in Invercargill. The two games were tough challenges for us; we probably made them tougher than they should have been.

"That's partly how Georgia and Romania have improved, but also an indication of where we are as a side. We have to be at our very best every time we play and we're working hard to improve our ball retention and our ability to score tries."

After two games in quick succession, Scotland now have a lengthy break in the tournament.

Robinson added: "It's a good run-in to the Argentina game. We'll be training hard and also give the guys space to have some time off.

"Two games in five days is tough. The players don't experience that at any other time apart from a World Cup.

"It's hard on the players, but I've been pleased with the attitude that's been shown.

"There's a depth in the squad. The 30 players that we have are very much similar players in terms of the standard.

"I think that's helped, we can interchange players and have the same consistency of performance."

Press Association

 
 

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