EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS

More in the tank from Dark blues
BILL LOTHIAN
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HAT-TRICK hero Andy Henderson today insisted there will be more to come from Scotland's resurgent rugby side when South Africa are encountered at Murrayfield tomorrow in the last of two Bank of Scotland Corporate World Cup warm-up Tests.


TROUBLE MAKER: Henderson created all sorts of problems for Ireland and he is ready to do repeat the feat.
Centre Henderson, who powered over for a treble when Ireland were seen off for the first time in six years a fortnight ago, believes the Scots can revel in the prospect of dry conditions after being forced to adapt their gameplan in the wet.

"Playing in rain inhibits your skills a little bit, provides a bit of extra pressure. But we came through with a solid win [31-21] while keeping much of our powder dry, so we have to be satisfied there are fresh ideas to test the Springboks with," said Henderson. The warm-up Tests present an unusual scenario with teams desperate for a morale boost without showing their full repertoire of moves ahead of a global event which gets underway for Scotland against Portugal in St Etienne on September 9.

Henderson insists, though, that a balance will be struck in sending out a message that, by pursuing success at every opportunity, other factors will take care of themselves.

"We have to take things step by step," added Henderson.

"It seems mad to even think about a match against a side of the calibre of South Africa as a warm up.

"So, the best thing we can do is treat them as a massive scalp and try to get the result that will help resolve the starting places for the World Cup itself."

The message from Henderson is that anybody keeping one eye on global events could find himself slipping down the pecking order and he is looking forward to further developing a partnership with Rob Dewey that contributed to a rare five-try spree for Scotland against the Irish.

What's more, awareness of the bigger picture was something Henderson excelled in when launching his treble against Ireland.

Charging in on the goal-posts, the Glasgow ace knew he had to think on his feet.

"At one stage I thought my way through to the try-line was going to be blocked so I tried to comply with a law that ensures a try is scored even if you ground the ball at the base of the post."

It is a moot point how many even of today's full-time pros are aware of that ruling, though Henderson played down his insight. "I think that is one law most of us would know but, as it happens, I managed to slide round the post.

"In getting the ball to ground, however, there was a bit of an anxious wait while the video official adjudicated and I hung around listening to the conversation between him and the referee.

"Fortunately the decision went Scotland's way."

Indeed, Henderson's first try opened up a 14-3 gap and helped provide the momentum that will tomorrow ensure extra belief in terms of reversing "one that got away" so far as he is concerned.

"My first experience of the particular physical presence attached to Springbok sides came on tour just before the previous World Cup when we went down 25-29 in Durban. We were close that day and, hopefully, with ground advantage we can do a bit better than close that gap."

While Henderson will be facing South Africa for the sixth time in a Scotland jersey, this represents a journey into the unknown for his centre partner.

On his eighth international appearance, Rob Dewey will be facing Southern Hemisphere opposition for the first time. So, what does the former Edinburgh star, who is bound for Ulster shortly, expect?

Making it clear he can take the occasion in his stride, Dewey said: "I've played enough age-group matches against everybody from New Zealand Schools to South Africa under-21s to know that, while beating Ireland was satisfying, we have to go up a level again."

And, echoing his colleague's view on providing some fresh attacking options, Dewey added: "Against Ireland the conditions dictated that not much was going to happen out wide and that meant giving priority to defence and gelling as a unit."

Significantly coach Frank Hadden has left the Scottish midfield intact while introducing Nikki Walker on the wing and making three changes up front.

"I think we have the capability to do damage and I enjoyed not only playing alongside Andy but also Chris Paterson who, from stand-off, showed he has the pace to cause problems," said Dewey.

"How we react to what Chris does can have a big bearing on whether we go into the World Cup on the back of a couple of wins."

Paterson is among a handful of Scots who shared in the last victory over the Springboks with another being skipper Jason White, who feels the formula that created that success can be re-created.

"Last time we beat South Africa we got in their faces from minute one.

"We hounded and harried them for the whole game and something similar needs to be done this weekend."

White also hinted that a policy of restricting warm-up games, certainly in comparison to the Springboks, can pay dividends. "So far as moving the World Cup to the end of the Northern Hemisphere season is concerned [that was the situation only for the first tournament back in 1987] may be something worth considering although my options are open.

"Do you want the tournament after a long season or when fresh and really going for it?

"There are advantages either way; all I really know is that, regardless of the date, the rugby World Cup will always be a showpiece."

And what about the importance attached to Scotland restricting their outings?

Here White was bullish, adding: "We have been cooped up in the gym and on the Murrayfield back pitches so that, against Ireland, the guys were desperate to get out when there were places in the World Cup up for grabs.

"There was definitely a lot to play for as shown in our performance.

"The same still applies and we will keep looking to react under pressure against another of the top teams in the world.

"Against Ireland the fans were great. Something similar tomorrow and anything is definitely possible."

This article was posted on 24-Aug-2007, 11:56 by Hugh Barrow.