Rugby: Scottish not lacking in true grit

By WYNNE GRAY

For endeavour, commitment and grit, veteran lock Robin Brooke gives Scotland high marks.

However, he believes the visitors will struggle with some of their attack.

Any decent defence - and certainly that organised by Wayne Smith with the All Blacks - would close them down consistently.

Brooke had a preview of Scotland's style when he played against them for the Barbarians last week, and in Whangarei tonight, New Zealand will see how a near-best side rate against the Vikings.

"They play well to their game-plan, they are reasonably mobile, they use a pick-and-go style and the blindside, but I would think Smithy's defence will close them down," said Brooke.

But one test where the 62-test All Black veteran failed to measure up was the size exam: he marked Richard Metcalfe, one of the starters tonight, who weighs in at 132kg and is 2.11m tall.

"I only came up to the middle of his shoulder blades," Brooke recalled.

The Scots have been in training at Paihia all week, where coach Ian McGeechan praised their attitude and compared it to the best he could muster from his 1990 side in New Zealand.

"In 1990 we came with some reservations about what we could do and what we had to do," he said. "We built on that and it naturally created some real momentum to the point where going into the second test we were playing the best rugby I have ever seen Scotland play."

A similar spirit in this Scottish side will mean little if they stumble against the Vikings, a collection of Northland and invitation players prepared for this game, which helps the New Zealand Rugby Foundation charity work.

If New Zealanders are not to gravitate towards the TAB theory that the Scots are not worth a test bet, then the tourists must show some decent artillery tonight.

Ten of the side who beat England in the slush of their Six Nations meeting return for this game.

The Vikings contain some fine footballers, but combinations will be the problem. However, they will feel that the night game, knowledge of local conditions and crowd support might allow them to surprise Scotland.

Four years ago the Scots foundered at the same venue against Northland and a repeat, even by an invited crew, will have the city rocking.

"We think we can mix it, though we have to be realistic when we are up against one of the top-rated rugby sides in the world," coach Bryce Woodward said.

Vikings captain Glenn Taylor admitted he is not sure what the Scots will offer tonight.

"I'm blowed if I know what they're going to come out and do against us," he admitted.

McGeechan hinted at surprise at the quality of the Vikings' line-up.

"The team we are playing are probably stronger than what we were told we would get for our first game.

"But that doesn't matter, we know we have to set off well. We know we have to hit the ground running as far as our performances are concerned.

"Getting a win tomorrow evening would be a great fillip for the players."

Scotland: Chris Paterson, Glenn Metcalfe, Gregor Townsend, Craig Joiner, James McLaren, Duncan Hodge, Andy Nicol (capt), Ross Beattie, Gordon Simpson, Ian Fullarton, Richard Metcalfe, Jason White, Mattie Stewart, Gordon Bulloch, Tom Smith. Res: Steve Brotherstone, Barry Stewart, Stewart Campbell, Don Mackinnon, Graham Burns, Graham Shiel, Craig Moir.

Vikings: Hayden Taylor, Justin Wilson, Scott McLeod, Rico Gear, Scott McLeod, Paul Steinmetz, Tony Monaghan, Steve Devine, Samui Vahafolou, Justin Collins, Glenn Taylor (capt), Chris Jack, Xavier Rush, Con Barrell, Jason Hammond, Tim Knight. Res: Mark Robinson, Keith Lowen, Jared Going, Joe Ross, Nick White, Charles Reichelmann, Henry Peita.