Greig Laidlaw "desperate" to lead Scotland to Rugby World Cup quarter-finals

Scotland captain has said that the Dark Blues are "desperate" to advance to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.

Scotland had reached at least the last eight of every World Cup before they fell in the group stage four years ago in New Zealand.

They are in pole position to reach the quarters this year, but could miss out again if they are beaten by Samoa in their final Pool B contest and Japan win their last match against the USA.

"We are extremely motivated," Laidlaw told reporters. "We players are desperate to win this match as we want to be in the World Cup quarter-finals. We've worked very hard to come from where we were to get to where we are at the moment.

"Now we need one more push this weekend. We need to put the fact we are regarded as favourites to one side and just look at Samoa. I still think they are a dangerous team."

Scrum-half Laidlaw was named in the Scotland starting XV earlier today for Saturday's match at St James' Park in Newcastle.