Rugby: Robinson talks up Laidlaw

Scotland rugby coach Andy Robinson insists Greig Laidlaw needn't feel inferior when challenging Edinburgh colleague Mike Blair for a scrum half berth.

Blair, 29, is a Lion with 64 Scotland caps; Laidlaw, 25, has just forced his way into the international squad ahead of next month's Autumn Tests.

But Robinson has told BBC Alba said: "I don't see him as an understudy to Mike. I think he competes very hard for a place and when he is on the pitch he delivers a top game."

Meanwhile, Laidlaw's contribution to last weekend's win over Ulster is also being highlighted by ex-Scotland and Lions coach Jim Telfer who said on his weekly STV blog: "David Young and Scott Newlands made valuable contributions when they came on and Fraser McKenzie was again impressive from the start.

"But it was actually the half backs, Greig Laidlaw and David Blair, who impressed me the most."

• SCOTLAND'S rugby clubs will commence a new look Scottish Cup on Saturday week in eight pools of four teams.