Six Nations: Michael Bradley backs Greig Laidlaw to succeed

Published on Friday 10 February 2012 00:00

EDINBURGH coach Michael Bradley has backed Greig Laidlaw to lead Scotland well at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday having witnessed his quality close-up.

Bradley took over the reins at the capital side in the summer and he made Laidlaw his captain, having been impressed by his attitude and playing ability.

“I’m delighted for Greig,” he said of his scrum-half/stand-off’s selection to make his first Test start against Wales. “He is an exceptionally talented player. The more pressure that’s on him the more relaxed he gets and that’s really a sign of quality. He has a bright future ahead of him for Edinburgh rugby and he’s a good option for Scotland.”

Asked what difference he might bring to Scotland’s attack, and whether it was the right call by Andy Robinson to play him off the bench last week and start him this one, he said: “Greig will do what he does for us I suspect. He will challenge the gain-line and drop people off into gaps.

“From an international point of view Andy makes those decisions for Scotland. He sees what talent is available to him, and he has to make that call. He is a shrewd coach and understands international rugby from his time with Scotland, England and the Lions. So you have to trust Andy in his decision.

“He went in with a strategy against England and part of that was bringing Greig into the match and it very nearly worked.”

Bradley was similarly pleased to see three of his top performers from the Scotland ‘A’ victory over England Saxons – Stuart Hogg, Duncan Weir and Ed Kalman – also earn a call-up, adding: “That is a very positive step.”

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