WHOLE NEW BALL GAME FOR ALL-ROUNDER ASHE

IF circumstances had been different, Adam Ashe could have been running out for Scotland against the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park tonight rather than getting ready to take on rugby’s world champions at BT Murrayfield. If only football was a more physical sport... Ashe, whose brother Daniel plays for Sauchie Juniors, took up the oval-ball game at 14 after a spell on a pro-youth contract with Falkirk. And he admits he quickly realised his rampaging style was better suited to rugby. The change of sport paid dividends for the 21-year-old, who has become one of the Scottish game’s most exciting prospects. ‘I played with Falkirk for a year or two before deciding it wasn’t for me,’ said the Glasgow Warriors No 8, who will win his third cap against the All Blacks. ‘I liked to get stuck in, so football maybe wasn’t the right sport for me. I liked the physical side of sport — that’s what drew me to rugby.’ The young back-row made his debut against South Africa in the summer and impressed head coach Vern Cotter enough to be retained for the first viagogo Autumn Test against Argentina. Ashe turned in a barn-storming display, carrying the ball 13 times, more than any other player, and topping the tackle count with 17 hits. However, he knows he will face his toughest test yet against an All Blacks back-row that includes the legendary Richie McCaw. Missing will be regular No8 Kieran Read, who has been rested after the win over England, yet such is the confidence of Ashe he regrets not having the chance to test himself against the best in the world. ‘He’s a fantastic player and it would have been nice to have tested myself against him,’ said the Scot. ‘But Victor Vito is a fantastic No 8, as well, so it will be a massive challenge. ‘I have to make sure I have the same influence on the game that I did against Argentina, by getting on the ball and getting stuck in.’ The Kiwis may have made 13 changes to their starting line-up but such is their strength in depth that Ashe does not think that will weaken them at all, insisting: ‘The All Blacks are the All Blacks. No matter what team they put out, it’s going to be strong. It would have been nice to play their so-called starting XV, but it doesn’t make a difference.’ The match will also be a big occasion for Warriors hooker Fraser Brown, called up to replace Scott Lawson, who added: ‘To play the All Blacks is a fantastic opportunity for any player at any stage of their career. For me to do it in my second cap is amazing. ‘As a team, we think we can go out there and beat them. It’s not a dream.’