Ryan Wilson set for Samoa challenge as Scots bid for quarters
Wednesday 7 October 2015 09:20, UK
Ryan Wilson hopes the fact he has risen to the big occasion successfully in the past will help him guide Scotland to the last eight of the Rugby World Cup.
Vern Cotter's side faces Samoa in Newcastle on Sunday knowing victory will take them into the quarter-finals after they missed out on that stage for the first time four years ago in New Zealand.
Having that incentive on offer makes this weekend's match one of the biggest stand-off Wilson and his team-mates have played in their career.
He has already made his mark when it mattered this year and is looking to do the same once again against the Pacific Islanders.
Wilson was part of the Glasgow Warriors team which won the Guinness PRO12 last season and sees that as proof he can stand up and be counted when it matters.
He said: "We had a similar situation with Glasgow against Munster but this is a step up and the confidence and belief is there that we can go and win the game.
"Getting out of the group stage is the focus and we know we can win the game. They are a big group of players but we have to do what we wanted to do last week, go out after them."
Samoa are out and have only pride to play for but Wilson knows Scotland can't afford another sluggish start.
Their fine second-half performance against South Africa last weekend meant little given their disjointed first-half show saw them fall behind and ultimately lose.
As they chase a showdown with Wales or Australia in the knockout rounds at Twickenham on October 17 or 18, Wilson wants a more rounded display.
He added: "Samoa is a game we must win but we came up short against South Africa, there is no question about that.
"We have to go out and play in the first half and we didn't do that well enough. We gave away too many penalties and the boys were disappointed with the effort.
"But you can see from all our games so far that we are getting better. Our fitness in particular is something we have worked on very hard and we hope that will pay off on Saturday."
