Rory Lawson: Scottish rugby public hopeful - not expectant

Former Scotland scrum-half Rory Lawson says selection choices in the centre pairings will give an indication as to how Gregor Townsend sets about overturning their dismal recent history against Ireland.

Following their 15-point loss to South Africa in the opening round, Scotland realistically need to win while denying Ireland a losing bonus point - aka, by eight points or more - to progress from the fiendishly difficult Pool B. [There is a fairly implausible alternative scenario, in which both Ireland and Scotland would progress, involving the Scots winning by 21 points while conceding four tries - alluded to here.]

Ex-scrum half Lawson, who earned 31 caps for Scotland between 2006 and 2012, says Scottish rugby fans are feeling "hope" rather than "expectation" in advance of such of an enormous task, but adds that the widespread assumption of the international rugby community of an Ireland-New Zealand quarter-final may provide them with added impetus.

"From a Scottish public perspective, there's definitely hope. And there's a belief. I don't think there's expectation or an over-confidence," Lawson told the RTÉ Rugby podcast.

"Most knowledgeable rugby fans in Scotland realise the size of the task. If you're trying to build belief, it's probably best to avoid the fixtures in recent years. I think Ireland are eight on the bounce against Scotland.

"But I'm delighted that you lads have framed it as knockout rugby from the get-go. Because they'll certainly highlight where Ireland have come unstuck in knock-outs in previous World Cups.

"Scotland are capable of one-off performances. In fact, they're capable of consistent performances albeit Ireland are definitely a bogey team.

"I've got no doubt that Andy Farrell and his coaching team,