Webb was named in Rob Howley’s starting XV to take on the Scots at BT Murrayfield, as George North returns to the wing in the only change from the defeat to England. Laidlaw kicked 12 points in the opening victory over Ireland before being forced off early against France with an ankle injury. But Webb believes Vern Cotter’s side will cope with the loss of their attacking conductor when the side’s clash on Saturday.
He said: “Them losing Greig is a massive loss – as a leader and as a kicker as well – but they’ve got some threats in the back three with Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour. Whoever plays, they’re all dangerous runners so we’ll have to be tactically smart with those guys playing.
“I know Ali Price came on at the weekend, he’s been playing in the Glasgow team which has been full of confidence last season and this season. He has a good understanding with Finn Russell so he’s likely to start. They’re all good players but we’re going to be concentrating on ourselves and we’re not worried about who they bring to the party.”
Wales have won five of their last six meetings with Scotland in Edinburgh, and another victory would put them back in contention for the RBS 6 Nations title. But they face a much improved Scotland this time around.
Howley’s men will have to stop Hogg, who has scored in each of his last four RBS 6 Nations matches, and Webb knows how dangerous he can be.
He said: “They’ve got lots of attacking threat there so they’ll want to play some rugby as well especially with Finn Russell at 10. He’s been pulling the strings for Glasgow and Stuart Hogg has been carving it up for the last two games.
“I don’t think that much is going to change, they’ll probably miss Greig’s accuracy off the tee – it’s pretty impressive. He never misses – so whoever replaces him will be putting in a lot of practice this week. But hopefully we won’t be giving away any penalties.”
