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Scotland's Rugby World Cup 1991

	© SNSpix

Having won the Five Nations the year before, Scotland went into the 1991 World Cup with more reason than ever to be optimistic about their chances of success.

Since landing that title, Scotland had returned to their more recognised position of mid-table in the 1991 Five Nations, having won both home matches and losing on their travels. However, with the potential to play all their matches up to the semi-final at Murrayfield, they had the opportunity to take advantage of that good home form in the World Cup.

Scotland cruised through their first two matches, first disposing of Japan 47-9 and then Zimbabwe 51-12.

Ireland were their third opponents, with victory required to ensure that Scotland would face Western Samoa at Murrayfield in the quarter-finals.

The Irish threatened to cause an upset and led by fifteen points to nine early in the second half, before Scotland upped the tempo. Aided by tries from Graeme Shiel and Gary Armstrong they eventually overhauled their visitors to seal a 24-15 success.

The hard-tackling Western Samoans were emerging as the surprise element of the tournament, having already beaten Wales and only narrowly lost to one of the pre-tournament favourites, Australia.

© SCRAN

Based on an outstanding performance from their pack, Scotland ran their opponents' defence ragged, scoring three tries - two of them by John Jeffrey, the other by Tony Stanger. The Samoans were not easily beaten however and made Scotland work hard for their win, leaving the pitch to a standing ovation from the Murrayfield crowd.

Playing at home in the semi-final undoubtedly gave Scotland their best ever chance of a place on the biggest stage of all - the World Cup final - although with England as opponents, it was no easy task. Crowds at Murrayfield for the pool games and the quarter-final had been disappointing in comparison to those at other venues, but with the Auld Enemy in town, tickets were at a premium for the semi-final.

Having lost their Grand Slam decider the year before, England had avenged that defeat at Twickenham earlier in the season and were now seeking to erase those memories completely by winning at Murrayfield.

Unsurprisingly, given what was at stake, the game was a dour affair. Two Gavin Hastings penalties gave Scotland early hope, before Jon Webb put England onto the scoreboard, also from a penalty.

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England relied on forward power to give them the advantage, rarely giving their backs a chance to shine. Webb slotted another kick to pull England level before Gavin Hastings missed a straightforward kick in front of the posts. With the scores tied at 6-6, it proved crucial as Scotland were unable to create such a clear opening again and a late Rob Andrew drop goal clinched the win for England.

England met Australia, conquerors of New Zealand in the other semi-final, at Twickenham for the Webb Ellis trophy, where the Wallabies emerged triumphant by twelve points to six.

The play-off for third and fourth place is always an anti-climax on these occasions, but the Scottish players travelled to Cardiff to face New Zealand , knowing that they had the chance to write themselves into the record books by becoming the first Scotland side to defeat the All Blacks.

In contrast to the semi-final, the play-off was an open affair although tries were still hard to come by. A Gavin Hastings penalty gave Scotland the lead, but Preston had the Kiwi's 6-3 ahead at half time. An exchange of penalties in the second half kept Scotland in touch and they mounted a furious assault on the New Zealand try-line.

Crucially, they couldn't break through and when Walter Little crossed the line for the game's only try in the last few seconds it put the end to a spirited showing from the Scots.

© SCRAN

The game was to signify the end of an era for Scottish rugby. John Jeffrey and Finlay Calder announced their retirement from the international game and coach Jim Telfer revealed that he too was standing down.

Finishing fourth in the world was no disgrace, but Scotland were left to rue missed chances that denied them what may well transpire to be their best ever opportunity of becoming World Champions.

Written by: Dave Low