Rugby World Cup 2011
Robinson urges Scots to keep their discipline
ESPNscrum Staff
September 24, 2011
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson presides over training, Scotland captain's run, Argentina v Scotland, Rugby World Cup, Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, September 24, 2011
Andy Robinson is urging his side to keep their discipline in Wellington © Getty Images
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Scotland head coach Andy Robinson believes that composure will be key in Sunday's vital Rugby World Cup Pool B clash with Argentina in Wellington.

After victories over Romania and Georgia, the Scots can seal their place in the knockout stages if they defeat the Pumas, who were edged out by England in their tournament opener in Dunedin. A loss, though, would leave their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals hanging by a thread as they would have to defeat Martin Johnson's men in their final pool clash to keep their interest in the tournament alive.

All things considered, it is a game of the utmost importance to both sides' hopes of progressing and Robinson is in no doubt that the side which best copes with the pressure will come out on top.

"Both sides can play well under pressure. The side that keeps their discipline under pressure will be the side that wins this game. It will be vitally important that we are able to keep our discipline."

Indeed, when Scotland and Argentina meet there is usually very little to choose between the two sides and goal-kicking is likely to be a key factor in the outcome of the game. Scotland fullback Chris Paterson and fit-again Pumas playmaker Felipe Contepomi have already had their problems with the conditions in New Zealand and they are unlikely to have things any easier at the Wellington Regional Stadium, which is regularly affected by swirling winds.

"What we've seen here is that it gets quite gusty, so it will change and it will change in specific parts of the pitch," Robinson said. "We've got to be able to make decisions at key times depending on what's happening with the wind.

"It's the same for both sides - you just get on and you play with it. Our kickers have kicked well today (at Friday''s captain's run) so we're pleased with that."

The return of Contepomi is accepted as a massive boost for the Pumas, the Stade Francais ace having picked up a rib injury against England which ruled him out of last weekend's clash with Georgia. Robinson admits that the Argentina captain, who will start at inside centre in Wellington, is a real talent but insists that he will not be making any special plans to curb the threat posed by the former Leinster man given that the South Americans have danger men all over the park.

"They're all bright rugby players, the understanding of momentum to create space for the backs when needed," he said. "Felipe's played against us in the centre before. We know that he's a very good operator.

"But it's not about one man. We can't focus just on Felipe Contepomi, we've got to focus on all 15 because they have a really good balance to the way they play."

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