Scotland must ‘do it the hard way’ to qualify from group but know what is needed

Gregor Townsend saw his side see off Tonga last night.

Gregor Townsend’s Scotland know what they have to do to reach the quarter-finals (Adam Davy/PA)

Gregor Townsend admitted Scotland will have to “do it the hard way” if they are to reach the World Cup quarter-finals but the head coach is hoping the renewed clarity of their situation in Pool B can help his team in their quest to progress.

After Ireland’s narrow victory over South Africa on Saturday and the Scots’ bonus-point 45-17 win over Tonga on Sunday, the picture has become slightly clearer for everyone in a lop-sided section containing three of the top five teams in the world rankings.