SCOTT MacLEOD, the former Scotland World Cup player, believes his nation can emerge as dark horses in this year's tournament.
And the Newcastle Falcons coach is convinced Vern Cotter's troops are capable of surging into the knock-out rounds as pool winners by stunning the Springboks in his adopted home city.
"Having their two biggest group matches at St James Park against South Africa and Samoa will definitely help the Scots," MacLeod, the former Edinburgh player, said. "There are no walkovers in the World Cup nowadays and of course the opening games against Japan and USA will be tricky.
"But it is the fixtures in Newcastle that will be decisive in terms of who will go through. And I think Scotland will achieve that – maybe even as top team in the pool."
MacLeod, who appeared in all five of Scotland's ties in the 2007 tournament in France, is now the Falcons lineout coach.
"I know we were close to beating New Zealand at Murrayfield in last year's autumn Test series," he added. "But I always feel deep down we never believe we are going to beat the All Blacks. It is different with the Boks, and we genuinely believe we can take them.
"I am not saying we are going to go out and win the World Cup, but I think we can defeat South Africa. It is going to be tough and they are a quality side, and then the Samoa match will be another massive one.
"I watched their game against the All Blacks the other week and some of the hits were just huge. I would get snapped in two in that situation, but if you can keep hold of the ball, play an offloading game and build phases, then you have a chance.
"I would back us to get to the quarter-final, and anything is possible from there in knock-out games."
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