Scotland can beat the All Blacks

Lions scrum-half Mike Blair believes Scotland can secure a historic win over New Zealand tomorrow. [more]

Scotland can beat the All Blacks

Lions scrum-half Mike Blair believes Scotland can secure a historic win over New Zealand tomorrow.

The Edinburgh man has not started for Scotland since the 2009 Six Nations and has had to make do with a place on the bench.

But Blair has been handed a starting-spot and the Scottish captaincy for the Autumn clash with New Zealand.

And he has no doubts that his side can spring a surprise on the world's number one ranked team.

"It's my first start under Andy Robinson but I have had injuries and there have been a number of factors," said Blair.

"We've had a couple of injuries at scrum-half, but I've been really confident in how I'm playing.

"I'm delighted to get this opportunity to show what I can do in the Scotland number nine shirt and leading the guys out at Murrayfield.

"We believe that if we can match the All Blacks' skill and intensity, with the Murrayfield crowd behind us we can win a test match against New Zealand.

"Playing against Tri-Nations teams they defend the breakdown slightly different to how we do in the northern hemisphere.

"They won't put as many people into the breakdown, just challenge at the tackle and one other guy. So we have to be sharp at the breakdown and move the ball away."

Previous story O’Callaghan signs new contract
Next story Shane’s shoulder causing concern