Andy Robinson believes his Scottish squad is strong for All Blacks Test
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson is delighted with the competition he has in his squad, especially since he is missing his captain Alastair Kellock.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of his team’s opening international with New Zealand on Saturday 13 November, Robinson stated that he believed he had four quality locks to replace Kellock.
"To have four second rows that are vying for the two spots is great and second rows that are playing really well."
The Scottish coach went on to praise the players for their roles with their respective club sides.
“Jim has had two very good performances [with Gloucester] against Bath and Leicester, two tough sides to play against. Richie Gray has been in top form for Glasgow. Scott McLeod has been playing well for Edinburgh and getting the offloading game.”
The coach also believes that veteran Nathan Hines who has played regularly for Leinster in the absence of captain Leo Cullen is another quality lock that he can rely on.
“Hines, the old warrior, has been going really well for Leinster in some high-pressure games," added the former English coach, Robinson.
The Scottish coach suggested that the players he has at his disposal will provide enough leadership without Kellock.
“The leadership group has worked very well. We have three forwards and three backs within that group. Everybody understands that the captain is not there by name, but we have leaders on the pitch throughout the side that need to take on the responsibility,"
said Robinson.
Scotland has been in a good run of form and won their tour series in Argentina, while they also denied Ireland winning the Triple Crown by beating the Irish 20-23 at Croke Park in Dublin.
New Zealand's visit will be a sterner test, but the team will have hope that they can cause a massive upset.
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