DODDIE WEIR, the former British Lion, believes that Scotland have as good a chance as they’ve ever had to beat New Zealand when the All Blacks come to Murrayfield tomorrow evening.
The 47 year-old knows how tough an ask it is to defeat New Zealand – something Scotland have never done – as he scored two tries against the mighty All Blacks in a World Cup tie in 1995 yet the Scots still went on to lose.
However, Weir is confident that tomorrow could provide one of the greatest moments in Scottish rugby history. “If there was ever a time to beat New Zealand, now is the time,” he said “I think New Zealand are vulnerable – they’ve been beaten by Australia and they’ve been beaten in the past by Ireland.
“They had a rocky Lions Test and I saw them against the Barbarians and they weren’t the sharpest. And Scotland are on a bit of a high – there’s a few injuries which might not help them but with the home crowd behind them, that will be a real boost.
“Having beaten Samoa in their first game, albeit they let a few points in, that gives Scotland some confidence and I think that knowing they’ve beaten both Ireland and Australia, this could be the time. There’s every chance and they have to go into the match with that in mind. The boys are confident.”
Weir was speaking in the aftermath of picking up yet another accolade, this time at the Radio Forth Awards. Since announcing that he is suffering from motor neurone disease, Weir has received countless awards, with the latest, the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award, presented by his fellow internationalist Scott Hastings at a gala dinner at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.
The former Melrose lock admits that the awards he is rapidly accumulating has come as something of a shock. “This was a total surprise, but it was lovely,” he said of his award last night. “It really just adds to all the support that I’ve received since telling everyone of the condition I’ve got.
“The support I’ve received has been unbelievable and inspiring. I’m just a normal Borders rugby boy but this has reached a lot of people and it’s been quite overwhelming. We’re trying to make a difference – but I have to confess that we’re having a good time doing it.”
Weir admits that he is looking forward to being in the stands at Murrayfield on Saturday where he can, for a few hours at least, wear the badge of former Scotland internationalist rather than MND campaigner. “It’s nice to be at Murrayfield and it’s nice to get away from the MND tag and get back to the rugby tag that people know me from,” he said.
“Being at the Samoa game last weekend was good in that respect. It’ll be a big thing this weekend because Scottish Rugby have been very supportive and we have some ideas, so watch this space. Life’s not so bad at the moment. I’ve been given this card, but I’m lucky in that I’m still able to do things.”
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