SM
Ipswich vs. Man United: 5 hrs 9 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Rugby World Cup | Group Stage
Oct 9, 2019 at 8.15am UK
 
Scotland
61-0
Russia
Hastings (14', 18'), Horne (22', 45', 59'), Turner (51'), Seymour (56'), Barclay (75'), McInally (78')
FT

Zander Fagerson: 'We know what we need to do against Russia'

:Headline: Zander Fagerson: 'We know what we need to do against Russia': ID:374189: from db_amp
Scotland need a bonus-point win over the Bears.

Zander Fagerson says the picture could not be any clearer for Scotland after Japan's last-gasp push sent their World Cup quarter-final race down to the wire.

The Dark Blues gathered as a squad to watch the Brave Blossoms take on Samoa in Toyota City.

Gregor Townsend's men were hoping to see the hosts slip-up against the Pacific Islanders but were left disappointed as they battled through, with Kotaro Matsushima clinching a bonus-point win deep into injury time.

The result means Scotland must now take the win and the extras on offer against Russia on Wednesday before beating Japan by four clear group points when they square off in their do-or-die showdown four days later to ensure a place in the last eight.

But that is the clarity of vision Glasgow tighthead prop Fagerson is looking for.

He said: "It was a funny one, in the heat of the moment, you do certain things, (and watching the game as a squad is) what we decided to do.

"It has made the picture clearer for us, what we need to do against Russia first and what we need to do against Japan in the last game. The picture is very clear now.

"Can we afford to start thinking about Japan? Not really, no. We have Russia first and if we don't get the job done against Russia there is no point in even thinking about Japan because we need those five points.

“Everything is focused on Russia now and getting that bonus-point win”
- Zander Fagerson

"Everything is focused on Russia now and getting that bonus-point win."

The Russians have shipped 99 points already having been thrashed in all three of their fixtures so far.

But Fagerson insists it would be folly to write off Lyn Jones' side ahead of their clash in Shizuoka.

He said: "If you actually watch the Russia games in the World Cup so far, they have been there or thereabouts.

"They were beating Japan at half-time, they are a very physical team, they are very well drilled in defence and have a really strong forward pack, that try to smash you up physically.

Zander Fagerson will not underestimate Russia (Jane Barlow/PA)

"We are not taking Russia lightly at all. We do our due diligence and get all avenues into the game nailed down because they are going to be a tough game."

Fagerson made his World Cup debut during Monday's 34-0 win over Samoa as he got on for the final 22 minutes in Kobe.

He now looks certain to start against the Russians, with Townsend likely to split his squad in two as he juggles the pressures of playing two games in the space of four days against the requirement of taking enough points to seal progression.

But the 23-year-old says he will be a willing volunteer if asked to play both legs of the double-header.

"If the opportunity arises I will grasp it with both hands," Fagerson said.

"To be at a World Cup is a great achievement but you are only half way there, I want to play as much as I can. If the opportunity arises I would love to play.

"I have done a few junior World Cups and know the four-day turnaround quite well. Of course international rugby is a lot more physical than the under-20s, most pools have had one of these games, it is part and parcel of the World Cup.

"Recovery is key, getting in the pool, keep stretching and being as professional as you can about it.

"If called upon to play both games I will make sure I am in the right frame of mind and the right shape physically."

amp_article__374189 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-10-06 07:20:47:
html db last update - 2019-10-06 07:20:47 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Zander Fagerson

Click here for more stories about Scotland

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .