Scotland's appearances at the Rugby World Cup always seem to follow in a similar pattern. Hope for a good pool draw, lose against the top seeds, hope to beat the next best team in their group and then if they manage that bow out at the quarter-final stage.

It is hard to see this year's campaign going any differently, with Scotland likely to face either England, Wales or Australia in the quarter-finals should they finish runners-up to South Africa in Pool B.

However in 1991 it was different for the Scots, as they beat Ireland to top spot in Pool 2 before seeing off Western Samoa in the last eight and setting up a semi-final date with the Auld Enemy at Murrayfield.

England dominated from the off in Edinburgh, sticking to their usual tactics of bullying up front and turning the screw - territory and possession king over prettiness.

But despite being on the back foot Scotland wouldn’t go away, and with full-back Jon Webb’s radar off England were never able to create a cushion.

Then with the clock ticking deep in the second half Scotland were awarded a penalty inside the England 22, just right of centre. Up steps Gavin Hastings with a golden opportunity to put his side in the driving seat and on the brink of the World Cup final.

Hastings didn’t miss these. Only this time, he did, failing to wrap his right boot around the ball and pushing it wide on the right.

And where Hastings lost his nerve, England's Rob Andrew kept his. Rory Underwood charged down the touch line attempting to force something as the game drew to an end. The ball was recycled and Andrew, as cool as ever, slotted the winning drop goal.

England had reached their first World Cup final, Scotland have never got as close again.