Rugby:Scotland are confident of upsetting New Zealand's bid for a home nations clean sweep and earning a first victory over the All Blacks on Saturday.
In 27 Tests since 1905, Scotland have lost 25 matches and drawn twice, each time at Murrayfield — 0-0 in 1964 and 25-all in 1983.
But after a first southern hemisphere series victory, defeating Argentina 2-0 in June, belief is far from lacking among Andy Robinson’s troops.
“It’ll be a good game," fullback Jim Thompson said today. “I know they’re the best team in the world and everything, but Andy Robinson has instilled in us that, if we play our own game, there’s no reason why we can’t get into them and give them a good battle. The boys can’t wait until Saturday. Playing the best team in the world at home - you’ve got to be excited about that.
“I think everyone’s really looking forward to it.”
The All Blacks defeated England 26-16 at Twickenham last Saturday and meet Ireland in Dublin on November 21st and Wales a week later in Cardiff.
Thompson anticipates he is unlikely to be in the final 22 for Saturday’s Test, having started for Edinburgh in the Magners League victory over Benetton Treviso.
And with competition fierce throughout Scotland’s back division, Thompson believes his inclusion last Friday night is an indication he will have to wait for his debut.
“There’s a lot of competition in the Scotland squad, that’s the way it is,” he said. “It’s good to be involved in the 33-man squad, I can’t complain. I’ll just train hard and see what happens.”
Scotland trained together in St Andrews for three days last week and will continue preparations for Murrayfield in Edinburgh this week.
The team is set to be announced tomorrow.
PA