20 Questions: Scott Lawson – Newcastle hooker

What do you make of the Falcons’ season so far?
Really good in terms of performances. We’ve improved as a team but ultimately we didn’t get the results we deserved. Been left frustrated at times.
What do you need to do to turn defeats into wins?
That’s the million dollar question which we’d love to have the answer to. We need to be more accurate towards the end of the games. We’ve been the better team a few times but could not seal games off.
Is it down to self-belief?
I don’t think so. We wouldn’t play the brand of rugby we’re playing without believing in ourselves. We just need to find the killer instinct.
Something very exciting happening at Kingston Park, isn’t it?
I’ve only been here two seasons but it’s been great. We’re settling very nicely and we’re looking to build a team that’s going to compete for honours and the fans are getting behind us.
Is the rest of the Premiership a dead rubber for the Falcons now?
Not at all. We want to build as much confidence as we can going into the summer and next season.
What about the Challenge Cup?
The Premiership is your bread and butter but reaching the quarter-finals of any Cup and you start thinking about winning it. We’ll go to Exeter next weekend and see what happens.
Looking to challenge for a Champions Cup qualification next season?
Definitely. The competition is fierce in the Premiership but every team can beat anyone and we’ve been a part of that despite falling at the last hurdle. If we can get over it a few times early next season we’ll be in the mix.
Pleased with your contribution this season?
Delighted to have played so many games. I’m one of the senior guys in the squad and I’m really enjoying myself. The new pitch is suiting my style of game and I feel like I’m playing my best rugby under Dean Richards and John Wells.
Hoping for a third World Cup in September?
Very much so. I was very disappointing to miss out on the Six Nations. Scotland will play two games in Newcastle and one in Gloucester where I played. It’ll be a great way to end my international career.
Would probably see you reach 50 Test Cap too?
I’m on 46 now so you’d think so with the two warm-up matches and four pool games at least. It’d be a great achievement for me.
What did you make of Scotland’s Six Nations?
Pretty similar to Newcastle’s season. They started well and turned heads early in the games. Could have won the first two games but they could not get over the line.
How do you rate their RWC chances?
We want to be competitive but, looking at the pool, the game against Samoa is likely to decide whether we make the quarter-finals or not. Japan and the USA could be interesting, too.
Where did rugby start for you?
In my hometown Biggar when I was 7. I tried a range of sports when I was young but I had rugby blood.
Do you remember your Glasgow debut?
Yes it was in 2003-04 season and my first start was against Ulster at home. I was blown away by the pace of the game and the size of the players.
Best memory in rugby?
Winning my first cap for Scotland in Romania in 2005. Playing at Murrayfield for the first time the following November was special, too.
Tell us something we wouldn’t know about Dean Richards?
I’m not sure I can say anything really. He’s not the type of guy you want to cross and I might be after a job in a couple of years so I’ve got to stay in the good books.
If you could be any sportsman?
Right now you’d have to look at Rory McIlroy. Travelling the world playing golf is not a bad life.
If you could have three special dinner guests?
I’d have my Newcastle teammate Scott MacLeod and we’d have a laugh with comedians Billy Connelly and Kevin Bridges.
Best and word dressed at the Falcons?
Scott is the worst. He seems to think it’s still 1986. Best would be Chris York.
Best and worst banter?
Scott is very funny but Oliver Tomaszczyk just looks for arguments constantly.
*This article was first published in The Rugby Paper on March 29.