Thompson: we can beat Blacks

SCOTLAND are confident of upsetting New Zealand’s bid for a home nations clean sweep and earning a first victory over the All Blacks on Saturday.

In 27 Tests since 1905, Scotland have lost 25 matches and drawn twice, each time at Murrayfield – 0-0 in 1964 and 25-25 in 1983.

But after a first southern hemisphere series victory, defeating Argentina 2-0 in June, belief is far from lacking among Andy Robinson’s troops.

Full-back Jim Thompson said: “It’ll be a good game.

“I know they’re the best team in the world and everything, but Andy Robinson has instilled in us that, if we play our own game, there’s no reason why we can’t get into them and give them a good battle.

“The boys can’t wait until Saturday.

“Playing the best team in the world at home – you’ve got to be excited about that.

“I think everyone’s really looking forward to it.”

The All Blacks defeated England 26-16 at Twickenham last Saturday and meet Ireland in Aviva Stadium on November 21 and Wales a week later in Cardiff.

However, Thompson anticipates he is unlikely to be in the final 22 for Saturday’s Test, having started for Edinburgh in the Magners League victory over Benetton Treviso.