Scots ready for tough Pumas test

Ford is expected to line up against Argentina in Paris

Hooker Ross Ford believes the lessons learned in the victory over Italy will serve Scotland well for Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.

"It will be much the same as the Italian match," the Glasgow front-row forward predicted.

"Coming into the scrums, it was quite physical and draining at times, so it was an ideal warm-up.

"Coming to this stage, we have done all the work, so we just want to refine our moves and go out and enjoy it."

The Scots were put to the test by Italy's powerful pack and can expect a similar examination from the in-form Pumas.

Ford is almost certain to get the nod ahead of the other two hookers in Frank Hadden's squad - Scott Lawson and Fergus Thomson.

Lawson is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench, as he did the last time Scotland played Argentina, at Murrayfield in 2005.

The South Americans won 23-19 on that occasion and Lawson felt hard done by.

"When we played them two years ago, we were unfortunate not to get a result that day," said the Sale Sharks man, who appeared for the final 16 minutes of the game.

"Is it a grudge match? Not really. It's the World Cup quarter-finals, that's what it is."

Thomson, who won his third cap as a substitute in the 40-0 defeat to New Zealand at Murrayfield a week and a half ago, has been impressed by Argentina, who have beaten France and Ireland at the tournament.

"I think they could be the team of the tournament," he said.

"They've improved a lot and their skill levels have risen.

"They always seemed a scrummaging team but now they also have other skills and are fast on their feet.

"But we have to be fairly happy with the draw. It won't be easy, but we could win.

"If we perform, we will see what happens."