Victories in Argentina give us confidence, says Ford

Scotland were knocked out of the 2007 World Cup after a quarter-final loss to Argentina, but were victorious in their two most recent meetings with the Pumas, winning a two-Test series in Argentina 2-0 in June 2010. Ford hopes the wins in Tucuman and Mar del Plata will stand Scotland in good stead at the Wellington Regional Stadium this weekend.

The Edinburgh star said: “We’ve played them a lot of times over the last four years, we’re well rehearsed in what they’re about, as are they.

“We won the last two Tests and that’s a good boost for us knowing we can go away from home and play like that.

“It’s really about turning up on the day and playing to your potential. We know we have to turn up ready to win.”

Following the wins over Romania and Georgia, victory over Argentina would ensure Scotland maintain their record of qualifying for at least the quarter-finals at every World Cup.

Ford is aware of the importance of the game, although should Scotland lose, a win on October 1 against England would likely also deliver a last-eight berth.

The Edinburgh hooker added: “It’s definitely up there. A World Cup game is pretty special, but this one is especially, it’s definitely in the top ten (of my career) I would say.

“It’s an important game for us and I’m looking forward to it.

“We’ve had a long time to prepare for it, it’s been a long turnaround from the Georgia game (on September 14) to this game, so we’ve had time to think about it and time to put in some good training.”