Six Nations
'Johnson deserves full-time job'
ESPN Staff
February 25, 2013
Scotland's Greig Laidlaw goes for the posts, Wales v Scotland, Six Nations, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, February 12, 2012
Greig Laidlaw has heaped praise on Scott Johnson © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Scott Johnson | Ryan Grant | Greig Laidlaw
Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations
Teams: Scotland

Scotland half-back Greig Laidlaw has backed interim coach Scott Johnson to land the post on a full-time basis.

Laidlaw shone for Scotland on Sunday and kicked the four penalties that helped his team beat Ireland 12-8. The result meant that Scotland have secured back-to-back wins in the championship for the first time since 2001.

At the helm of the Scottish backroom staff has been former Wales coach Johnson who took the post on an interim basis in the aftermath of Andy Robinson's decision to step down as Scotland boss in November. And after being a part of their promising start to the 2013 championship, Laidlaw believes Johnson has done enough get the post full-time.

"I think he does deserve the job," Laidlaw told the BBC. "A lot of credit should go to him and the coaching team. They are striking a good balance between training and a bit of down time off the field.

"The boys are really responding to it. Training has been really sharp. That's the main reason why we are producing better performances."

Laidlaw has been used at scrum-half for Scotland's opening three matches despite having played the majority of his Test rugby at No.10. Prop Ryan Grant, who was a key cog in the Scottish team that repelled the Irish during their Test on Sunday, has praised Johnson's decision to switch Laidlaw to scrum-half.

"Greig is a class, class player," Grant said. "He is great with the boot and a great marshal of the pack. That's why he's perfect for the nine role. He speaks to the forwards and lets us know where we need to be. He does the same with the backs and has got a great understanding with them."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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