Six Nations: Scotland want to win tournament, says Greig Laidlaw

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw is targeting Six Nations success

Captain Greig Laidlaw says Scotland want to win the Six Nations and believes there is an expectation his side can do well in the championship.

The Scots won the final staging of the Five Nations in 1999 but have never won the Six Nations.

However, five wins from their last seven Tests have boosted confidence.

"Obviously we want to win as many games as we can and we want to win the championship, just like every other team," Laidlaw told BBC Scotland.

Scotland open this year's tournament against France in Paris on Saturday evening and follow that with home matches against Wales and Italy.

The travel to face England in the penultimate round of fixtures before Ireland visit Murrayfield in the Scots' final encounter.

Head coach Vern Cotter takes charge of his first Six Nations, which will form an important part of his preparation for this year's Rugby World Cup in England.

Scotland have averaged one win per Six Nations tournament since 2007 and their last win over France was at Murrayfield in 2006.

Their last away victory over Les Bleus came seven years earlier, while the French are bidding to win their first title since 2010.

Philippe Saint-Andre's side will host Scotland again in a summer Test shortly before the World Cup.

"We're under no illusions, it's going to be tough, especially the first game away in Paris," said Gloucester half-back Laidlaw of Saturday's Six Nations opener.

"Scotland haven't won out there since '99 but we've got to go out there, we've got to play for each other, play for the jersey and try and stick it to the French.

"In the past, we've probably fell a little bit short. Desperately, we want to turn those fortunes round."