Scotland v New Zealand: Ross Ford urges positive approach

Ford made his 78th Scotland appearance in Saturday's 41-31 victory over Argentina

Ross Ford knows Scotland need to find top form against New Zealand since the visitors to Murrayfield on Saturday rarely have an off day.

Scotland are in good spirits following a 41-31 win over Argentina, while the All Blacks beat England 24-21.

"New Zealand don't get complacent," said the Edinburgh hooker. "That's why they've been the best in the world for a number of years now.

"It's a great challenge to have and we must impose ourselves on them."

The World Cup holders were behind at half time at Twickenham but turned in an impressive second half display to get the better of England.

Former Scotland prop Peter Wright thinks the Kiwis "will be worried" after Scotland ran in five tries against the Pumas.

However, Ford, while enthused by the victory, reckons there is room for improvement as the Scots seek a first ever triumph against New Zealand.

"We have to be realistic," he told BBC Scotland. "It was a good performance but it can still be a lot better.

"To get a win like that against top class opposition is a great starting point.

"We have to try and play that way again, even against the best in the world. We need to put them under pressure. We can't sit back and allow them to play or be overawed.

"England went well against them in the first half and there's no reason why we can't put them under pressure in the same way if we get our game plan right and execute well.

New Zealand won 51-22 on their last visit to Murrayfield in 2012

"We need to focus on what we can do."

Ford impressed on his 78th Scotland outing as Argentina were blown away after scoring the first try at Murrayfield, with the 30-year-old one of the oldest men in Vern Cotter's youthful squad..

"It was good game to be involved in," he explained. "The stuff we worked on during the week came through.

"We were able to put Argentina under stress and score some good tries.

"The way Vern coaches involves thinking under pressure. Training has been good and that has built the boys' confidence up.

"It's a fairly simple game plan to understand.

"There's more ball in hand and backing boys to beat players one-on-one and getting into those situations. That creates more space and we have some very good players who can break the gain line any time.

"Vern wants us to back ourselves, play with a smile on our faces and enjoy it."

Edinburgh scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne has joined the Scotland squad as a precaution, following a head knock sustained by Henry Pyrgos.