RECORD BREAKER FORD IS NOW TOP OF THE SCOTS
As Ford earns a record-equalling 109th cap, he is lauded by four legends from his home town of Kelso
IT WAS written in the stars that Ross Ford would come off the bench against Australia yesterday and become Scotland’s joint record cap-holder with Chris Paterson, as it was against the Wallabies that the hooker made his debut, and earned his 109th cap.
On Saturday in Fiji, the Borderer could set a new mark if Gregor Townsend hands him a 110th cap and should he stride on to Suva’s ANZ Stadium pitch, as Bill McLaren would have said had he been commentating: ‘They’ll be dancing in the streets of Kelso’.
Few know Ford better than the four British and Irish Lions from his home town, whom he followed into the red jersey in 2009. Here, Alan Tait, John Jeffrey, Roger Baird and Ken Smith speak exclusively about how the boy became a man and why the anointing of a new legend of Poynder Park does not come as a surprise.
ALAN TAIT Scotland and Lions centre/ wing, 27 caps, 1987-99
‘I coached him at Under-18 level with Scotland and he was part of a good team, but what you have seen with Fordy is a rare ability to adapt, because not only did he change from being a back row at that time — who I reckoned could play for Scotland — to a hooker, the game has changed a heck of a lot since he made his Scotland debut in 2004.
‘Most players can make a change or two but can’t keep doing it because it takes a lot of work mentally and physically.
‘He’s done that in a time in Scottish rugby where there hasn’t been much motivation from regular success, which helps you to keep going and put the work in day in, day out in sport.
‘People have questioned him but he just takes it on the chin and keeps improving and even now, at 33, he is as competitive, skilful and important to the Scotland team as he’s ever been.’
JOHN JEFFREY Scotland and Lions flanker, 40 caps, 1984-1991
‘It is absolutely fantastic for Ross and his family, the Kelso club and the town.
‘I managed him at Under-21s and he was a talented lad but his work ethic separates him from most. He was in the gym at a young age doing the hard yards with George Hinnigan and others at Kelso, way before it was a cool thing to do, and the change to hooker was tough.
‘He’s not had an easy ride and if he read all the critics, it would have been easy to throw the towel in a few years ago and go to France or elsewhere and pick up a nice pension. He had opportunities but he wants the best for Edinburgh and Scotland, and stayed, and has overcome many challenges to become one of Scotland’s greatestever players in my opinion.
‘I hope he plays against Fiji because I can’t think of anyone who deserves the record more.’
ROGER BAIRD Scotland and Lions winger, 29 caps, 1981-88
‘I didn’t fully appreciate how invaluable Fordy was to the Scotland team until about a year or so ago when I listened to Greig Laidlaw talk at a corporate event about the Scotland team and single Fordy out as the great unsung hero. He spoke passionately about how he gets through more work than anyone, does so much in the tight, carries ball more and provides so much support to those around him that we, outside the team, would never know.
‘He has become one of the strongest guys in Scottish rugby, helped sort our weak old scrum, has come back from line-out yips, where he was under incredible pressure, and after being asked to switch to hooker when he turned pro.
‘He found it difficult at the start and must have wondered if he’d ever make it to one cap but he got his head down, learned the skills and gave it everything he had.
‘It’s great to see him now getting the reward of wins and the record. It’s great for oor wee toon!
KEN SMITH Scotland and Lions flanker, 18 caps, 1957-1961
‘I watched Ross come through the Kelso Harlequins and he signed his first professional rugby contract before he’d even left school. He was always a forthright and honest player but he was so enthusiastic and really channeled into becoming a great player.
‘What is quite remarkable is how he has kept improving — as you have to hold on to a Scotland jersey — and as a front-row player, in this day and age of hugely physical rugby. I retired at 31 because my couldn’t take it any more yet we endured nothing like these boys do.
Ross’ body must have taken a huge pounding over 15 years of pro rugby but he is a model professional in the way he looks after himself, which is why he’s still able to perform well. I hope he gets to 110 now!’