Hadden: All Blacks are not the only challenge

Scotland head coach Frank Hadden has warned his team to be wary of the threat of all three opponents in the autumn Test series, rather than concentrating on New Zealand.

The ex-Edinburgh Gunners chief yesterday took charge of his first official training session in preparation for the visit of Argentina, Samoa and the All Blacks next month.

Hadden took over officially from the sacked Matt Williams last month after guiding the Scots to successive wins against the Barbarians and Romania in the summer.

But, after Scotland won just three Tests from 17 attempts under Williams, the new head coach is looking to close the gap on the major names in the game.

However, he warns the threat of Argentina and Samoa at Murrayfield – before the visit of New Zealand – must not be under-estimated.

Hadden said: “We have some great challenges ahead, never mind the All Blacks.

“Argentina are very much a growing power and a very under-rated international force. They have a fantastic junior set-up.

“I have been there a couple of times myself and I know how good they are.

“There are a number of sides working incredibly hard to challenge the big five of New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England and France and that is one of our aims.

“Samoa are another tough test. I expect them to be able to put out a first-class side.

“They ar a totally different challenge to Argentina and New Zealand and that’s the excitement of international rugby.”

But Hadden is also hoping a developing rapport with club bosses across Britain will help his task.

He said: “We have some outstanding talents and I am just trying to get a feeling for the entire squad.

“We are blessed with some real talents and I am looking to mould a team. It’s exciting for me.

“But, off the field is important as well. Gordon Ross played for Leeds Tykes on Sunday, so he didn’t train with us yesterday.

“We have said to clubs we will not make guys train the day after games, so Phil Godman came in for Gordon.

“I have already spoken to most of the coaches of Scottish players in England and they are particularly delighted I have taken the effort to do that. It’s really important for us.

“Gordon desperately wanted to train, but we have told clubs we will not do that.

“If word got out, then we would lose the trust we are trying to establish.”