E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly Version 
Subscribe to RSS FeedScots `strong and positive`
Cat Fight: Rory Lamont should be fit face the Pumas
Scotland team manager Guy Richardson insists his troops are in a "strong and positive" mood as they begin preparations for the quarter-final clash with Argentina, a team they have not beaten for 17 years.
The Pumas are currently rated the fourth-best international team in world rugby and have more than justified their lofty position in the tournament by topping a pool which included hosts France and the homeward-bound Irish.
Scotland have beaten Argentina just once in six meetings - and that win came in their first encounter, in 1990, when Tony Stanger and Kenny Milne collected two tries apiece in a 49-3 win at Murrayfield.
But of all the possible last-eight scenarios, the Scots had admitted that their preference would be to face Argentina in Paris.
"Everything steps up a gear now," said Richardson.
"We are getting into the sharp end of the competition and there is a quiet but very strong and positive feeling on this train at the moment.
"Everyone is quietly preparing. As we sit on the train, there is a bit of analysis going on. The players are on their laptops looking at the opposition at the moment.
"I recall playing Argentina in 2005 in an autumn Test match and it was a very good contest [Argentina won it 23-19]."
"The focus is really clear - that focus is next Sunday evening at 9pm."
Meanwhile, Scotland received a timely boost on Monday after Rory Lamont was cleared of any serious injury after landing awkwardly on his neck in the decisive 18-16 win over the Azzurri on Saturday.
