Scotland coach Andy Robinson focuses on his own team
Scotland coach Andy Robinson insisted that Scotland would only focus on their game and would not worry about the All Blacks, ahead of their Test match on Saturday 13 November.
Speaking at a press conference, Robinson said, "New Zealand are a side that focus on themselves and that's what they're doing," said Robinson.
Scotland will go into the match with confidence and the team will try to extend their four match unbeaten run.
The Scots have not managed to avoid a defeat by the All Blacks since 1983 when the two teams played out a 25-25 draw.
"It's always important to celebrate history, but I focus mainly on us, what we're about and delivering. There's always talk about if this could happen, that could happen," said Robinson.
The Scottish coach was optimistic about his team’s chances against New Zealand. The All Blacks beat England 16-26, but struggled in the second half.
"I'm very confident about the team, there's a belief among the side, but I'm also realistic that we're going up against the very best side in the world. The main thing for me is what we do on the pitch.
That's where we must do all our talking,” added the Scottish coach.
Despite Robinson insisting that the best way for Scotland to win is to focus on their own game, the Scots may try to target the All Black debutant Hickawera Elliot.
His throws from line-outs will need to be accurate as Scotland have some good jumpers that can disrupt and compete for possession.
"There's a lot we have to do in this game just to stand toe-to-toe with them, just to match them,” added Robinson.
The Scottish coach said that his players are relishing the thought of playing New Zealand and creating a piece of history, by becoming the first Scottish team in 27 years to deny the All Blacks a victory.
"There's an understanding of what is in front of them tomorrow and now we've got to wait until quarter-past-five until it all kicks off," added Robinson.
Robinson may have all the hope in the world, but outside of Scottish fans he's pretty much alone in that category. The All Blacks march in as 1/16 favourites in this one, with Scotland 14/1 underdogs.
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