Scotland Given Rousing Welcome

Scotland’s players knew that the good people of the south of New Zealand’s south island are intensely proud of their Scottish roots. Knowing it was one thing, seeing the extent of their passion was altogether another – and a matter of huge pride, as the compact airport terminal in Invercargill rocked to the contrasting charms of Maori warcry, welcome songs, bagpipes and supporters chants. Yes, Scotland had arrived in New Zealand and Rugby World Cup just became a whole lot closer.   The Scots arrived aboard Air New Zealand flight NZ5601 from Christchurch – an unremarkable journey on an ATR72 – also known, probably not that affectionately as a propeller job. But their final hop to their venue for their Rugby World Cup opener against Romania at Stadium Southland on Saturday (kick-off 1pm local time) could hardly have prepared them for the incredible scenes of warmth and adulation once they entered the building. I first got off the plane and did not really expect that, acknowledged Scotland centre Graeme Morrison. The Maori welcome was certainly a spectacle – just the amount of people that have come to see us off the plane was very touching. You can hear Graeme’s thoughts below. A member of the local constabulary reckoned there were 500 people packed into the terminal – they had to usher them out very politely as a number of the players stayed on to sign autographs and pose for photographs after the official Maori welcome and presentation of the civic key, as another plane was due to land.  Members of the media, including the Press Association correspondent, who has covered such events as the Tour de France, estimated nearer 1,000 people – and the media never exaggerate. It was left to Scotland captain Alastair Kellock to thank the local community for the first impression they had made on the Scotland squad. A massive thank-you for such a spectacular welcome. We feel honoured. To come down the stairs was probably the most intense thing I have experienced off a rugby park, he beamed. Listen to the full interview with Al Kellock: Scotland head coach Andy Robinson will announce the team for that opening match around midnight tonight and first news will be available here and on our Twitter site @scotlandteam.