KEY POINTS:
The bloke in the betting shop just laughed. Spread sheets for the nags and football were being altered all the time but there was no such rush for information or odds on the outcome of the All Blacks and Scotland test this weekend.
So when would the agency post some odds, what were they likely to be, how did they see the first autumn international at Murrayfield? After all both teams had been teamed, there must be some interest as about 50,000 tickets had been sold.
Aye, he murmured, there will be interest on the day but no one gives us any hope. No sireee, there was no chance that 103 years of history was about to be overturned this weekend. Not even with the All Blacks turning out an almost alternate XV for the opening test of their latest assault on the Grand Slam, not even with Scotland signing up the forward coaching talents of Mike Brewer in a bid to ramp up the locals' productivity.
I tell ye what, he continued, I'd think off the top of my head Scotland will be posted about a 40 point start when the sheets come out. We are not in the same league.
All in good time too, he said, I'd think we would get something up the day before the test and go from there. I think there will be more interest in the margin and who scores a try and that sort of thing but there will be more chance of hell freezing over than our boys taking the money from your boys.
Some of the weather forecasts suggest Edinburgh could be in for a cold wet snap around the weekend kickoff but this Celtic capital is certainly no devil's headquarters. The late autumnal weather has been clear if cold, the city showing off her remarkable collection of buildings, history and good humour to her finest.
All you hope is that the New Zealand rugby supporters, when they swirl into the city later this week are as appreciative, well-mannered and gracious as those who call this fine city their home. There will be the usual baiting, shiyacking, banter and bravado which is another social element of the rugby scene and one where the protagonists usually part on honourable if well-slurred terms. Mind you if the earth tips on its axis and Scotland achieve a breakthrough result........
Wynne Gray
All Black Richard Kahui emerges from the fog during a training session in Edinburgh. Photo / Getty Images
