Scots aim to ‘fire every bullet’ they have at All Blacks
Scotland will hold nothing back as they chase that elusive first-ever win against the All Blacks.
That’s the message from Dark Blues skipper Jamie Ritchie, who knows the weight of history is against his side at BT Murrayfield this afternoon.
Scotland have come close, notably the last time the sides met in 2017 when he watched from the stands as Stuart Hogg was hauled down going for what could have been a late, match-winning try.
“Our intention is to go out and fire every bullet we’ve got, leave nothing to chance, and leave nothing up to what-ifs,” said Ritchie.
“We’re just going to be brave, and take the game to them.”
The All Blacks haven’t quite been their usual all-conquering selves of late, but Ritchie hasn’t been lulled into a false sense of security.
He said: “We’re looking to get that monkey off the back, but you saw them last week against Wales. They’re still a very good side.
“That said, there are things that we’ve identified that we’ll look to exploit, and we’ll be confident we can do that.”
“It would be the first time in our history that we’d beaten them in 15s, so we know it’s a challenge.”
Ritchie hasn’t played New Zealand at senior level but recalled: “My first experience of them was in my first Under20s World Cup.
“We were based in Auckland, and there are a few guys we played against who have gone on to play for the All Blacks, like Damian Mckenzie and Richie Mo’unga.
“I doubt they’ll remember me – but I was there! We lost. I’ll leave it at that.
“And then the following year, in Italy, we played them in our first game of the Under-20 World Cup.
“I think we were actually leading at half-time but, again, we lost. Heavily.
“Self-belief is hugely important. That’s why we’ve talking been about it, and it’s been the theme of our week.
“Showing courageousness, and having the belief that we can go out there and win.
“Look, we’re motivated to win every game, but we want to make history as a group.
“Not just in this game but in other ways as well, and this is a good one to get started with.”
If his charges need any further inspiration, the presence of Scotland legend Doddie Weir – health permitting – should provide it in spades.
“Doddie’s so special to us all,” said Ritchie.
“The strength and the courage that he’s shown over the last five or six years since his
diagnosis – just to keep fighting – is an inspiration to anyone, not just us as a playing group.
“I said to the boys, ‘If you need any other motivation than to do it for him, then I don’t know what to say’.
“Doddie being there will be hugely inspirational for us.
“At my first-ever rugby dinner at my old club, Madras, Doddie did his after-dinner speech, and me and one of my pals had just played for Scotland Under-16s.
“He got us up, and gave us a ball with a little personal message on it. I’ve still got it.
“Doddie’s such a big character, and a special, special man.”