Rutherglen Reformer

World Cup p dream

Duncan Weir has hopes for 2015 competitio­n

- Kenny Smith

Cambuslang’s Scotland rugby internatio­nal Duncan Weir hopes he can force his way back into the starting line-up-weekend.

Duncan came off the bench to add a conversion against Argentina on Saturday, and now the Scots are preparing to face New Zealand at Murrayfiel­d.

The Glasgow Warriors fly-half has 16 caps to his name, and hopes coach Vern Cotter will select him as the side bid to beat the All Blacks for the first time.

Duncan (23) has been starring for the Glasgow Warriors, but admits Scotland duty is a real highlight of his career.

The former Cathkin High pupil said: “It’s always nice to get the email sent out. Every opportunit­y that you get in a Scotland jersey, it’s fantastic.

“You want to go out there and put in a good performanc­e, and every Scotland player wants to get out there at Murrayfiel­d. We’re really looking forward to two soldout games there, and a great atmosphere.

“We played Argentina in the summer and beat them. We have them in our World Cup group in a year’s time, and if going into that with back-to-back victories over them, it’s going to be really good for our confidence.”

Duncan hopes to keep his form going over the next year, and help Scotland in their bid for the Webb Ellis Cup.

He added: “If you are anywhere near the national squad, it’s a huge focus for each individual player, and it’s one that I would love to be taking part in.

“I’ve been involved with two under-20 World Cups, which were a great experience, with one in Argentina and one in Italy, so if I can make a senior appearance, that would be amazing.

“The margin for error is so high, but it’s fantastic that the World Cup is being played in England, with games virtually in our own back yard, which is great for our friends and family. With two matches in Newcastle, it’s virtually as close as we can get, and I’d love the opportunit­y to play in front of them.”

Duncan has also been in great form for his club side.

He said: “After coming runnersup in the Pro-12 last season, that gives you a taste and you want to get beyond that, being a semifinal team or runners-up. This year we’ve got that experience of being a beaten finalist, and want to go one further.

“Slowly but surely, we’re getting the respect that’s been overdue towards a Scottish club side. Now we read in the papers and see the English media are giving Glasgow a good write-up.”

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 ??  ?? Points Duncan added a late conversion over Argentina
Points Duncan added a late conversion over Argentina
 ??  ?? Train Duncan Weir with the Scotland squad on Monday
Train Duncan Weir with the Scotland squad on Monday

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