How much for a whole one?
One of the most iconic jerseys in Scottish rugby history has sold for £1,675 at auction despite only having one sleeve.
The famous dark blue shirt was worn by Scotland captain David Sole in the 1991 Rugby World Cup semi-final, which his side lost against England at Murrayfield.
The Sunday Post columnist had cut the left sleeve off to prevent his opposite number in the English team, Jeff Probyn, from gripping on to it and gaining an advantage.
The jersey went under the hammer at Mctear’s, and specialist valuer James Bruce said: “As expected the auction did not disappoint, with the jersey achieving an impressive result.”
Scotland’s group in the Autumn Nations Cup has been thrown into disarray since 29 Fijians have tested positive for Covid.
The South Sea islanders match was cancelled against France for two cases but clearly the virus has run rife through the squad since then.
It is unfortunate for the tournament organisers and it is a great shame, given that Fiji can be one of the most exciting teams to watch.
Instead it places even greater importance on Scotland’s match against France today at Murrayfield.
The winner of this is likely to top the group and play against the winner of the group containing Ireland, Wales, England and Georgia.
A victory against the French will also equal the run of six victories in succession for the Scottish team since 1990 – which I can tell you, feels like an awfully long time ago!
It would be a fine achievement for Gregor Townsend’s squad, and an indicator that perhaps the consistency that has been so elusive for such a long time is at last beginning to be found.
France will not be a pushover, however. They lost to Scotland at the same venue earlier this year in the Six Nations – partly due to the fact that they were reduced to 14 men for much of the match.
France are enjoying a bit of a renaissance under Fabien Galthie
In reality, had they not had one of their players sent off, Scotland would probably still have won comfortably that day.
Townsend has made a few changes to the side that defeated Italy last weekend.
Blair Kinghorn comes in for Darcy Graham and there is an all-new starting front row.
Jamie Ritchie is restored to the back row after suffering a head knock and Matt Fagerson comes in at No. 8 instead of Blade Thomson, who has been pretty anonymous in the games so far. Meanwhile, France have lost their exciting playmaker Romain N’tamack and he will be a big miss for “Les Bleus”.
France are enjoying a bit of a renaissance under the tutelage of Fabien Galthie.
They seem to have rediscovered some of their Gallic flair, but they are coming to a ground where they have not won since 2014.
In years gone by, the French rarely travelled well, so it will be interesting to see whether the lack of a crowd will play in the visitors favour and make it a less intimidating place to play.
The weather promises to be set fair, so it would be great to see both sides playing expansive, exciting rugby
– but for Townsend the win will be utmost in his mind.
It is not beyond the grasp of the home side by any stretch of the imagination, so expect that sixthsuccessive victory to be celebrated come the final whistle.