Article first appeared in the Scottish Mail on Sunday (16/11/14)
By STEVEN DONN
IN a week in which mankind has reached for the stars, anything has seemed possible. Even the prospect of a 109-year winless streak against the greatest rugby-playing nation on earth finally being brought to an end.
To some, the idea of Scotland defeating the All Blacks would seem like a work of science fiction. In the build-up to yesterday’s match, however, hopes had been raised, confidence built.
The victory over Argentina last Saturday at BT Murrayfield had undoubtedly sown the seed of belief, with the Scots displaying much verve and ambition in head coach Vern Cotter’s bow before the home support.
Yet perhaps inspiration could be drawn from elsewhere, too.
Also on the news agenda over the last few days has been the remarkable tale of Philae, the small probe that landed on a comet following a mind-blowing 10-year pursuit around the solar system. It was deemed to have been worth the wait.
And speaking of diminutive yet determined bodies, Gordon Strachan’s national football team were also vying for the public’s attention as they looked forward to facing the Republic of Ireland on Friday night.
The Scotland manager had taken time out from his preparations, however, to visit the cinema, opting rather aptly to see Christopher Nolan’s latest epic, Interstellar. Being in the midst of so many well-wishers, Strachan revealed that it was only then he truly grasped the magnitude of the game his side was about to face.
His mission was a success.
So to yesterday and the question of whether the stars would align for the first time in over a century for Scotland’s rugby players.
The game itself was full of the usual sub-plots and interesting asides for the 66,004 crowd to pick over.
Scotland are, of course, now bossed by a Kiwi in 52-year-old Cotter. He stood impassive as ‘God Defend New Zealand’ was belted out by his countrymen prior to kick-off, while he at least proved he knew the words to ‘Flower of Scotland’.
In truth, it mattered little, if at all. Cotter is not paid for his allegiance — he is at Murrayfield to have the Scots battle-ready ahead of next year’s World Cup in England and that is what he is doing.
Improvement has been made across the team, with the Gray brothers, Jonny and Richie, in the second row and the back row of Rob Harley, Adam Ashe and Blair Cowan proving themselves more than able against top-quality opposition.
The hosts were trailing 14-10 at half-time but had been competitive. And although Steve Hansen had made 13 changes to his All Blacks side following their win over England at Twickenham, Richie McCaw and Dan Carter were there to ensure standards would not slip.
Carter, on his return to the starting line-up after a year’s absence through injury, was not at his best, however.
A couple of handling errors, as well as missed kicks, only encouraged the home crowd, with his Scottish counterpart Finn Russell also applying pressure on the legendary stand-off. He left the field after 55 minutes with only one point between the teams.
McCaw was culpable, as well, the skipper’s pass intercepted by Tommy Seymour to give Scotland their try in the first period. Perhaps his Scottish roots blurred his vision for just a split second.
The zest with which the Scots were meeting the challenge of the Kiwis was coming at a cost, however. Mark Bennett and Euan Murray were lost before the break, and Russell only returned to the field after being assessed by the Scotland doctors.
If history was to be made, blood would have to be spilled it seemed.
And the Scots were leaving everything out on the pitch. Tackle after tackle, carry after carry, they matched the much-vaunted visitors.
The crowd sensed an opportunity would present itself and, sure enough, it came.
With 10 minutes left and the score standing at 17-16 in favour of the All Blacks, Greig Laidlaw stood over a kick with which to put the Scots into a crucial lead. The fans willed it over but the ball fell agonisingly wide.
Within four minutes, the dream was over. The All Blacks, a team able to rely on a galaxy of stars, drove over the Scots’ line for what would be the decisive score.
A lone piper struck up from somewhere in the crowd but there was no reason for such lament.
Scotland’s aim is true. Their will strong. And no destination or ambition should be ruled out.
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