RICHIE VERNON has studied the pile of stats against Scotland and reckons they can still be all gold against the All Blacks.
The Glasgow Warriors centre insists history is bunk as the rugby sevens prepare to kick-off at the Commonwealth Games.
Ibrox will be packed with up to 160,000 fans this weekend over four sessions as the Scots bid to bring a shuddering halt to the Kiwi juggernaut.
New Zealand have won gold on each of the four occasions rugby sevens have been played at the Games, stretching back to Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
They have claimed the IRB world series 10 times and are firm favourites to triumph at the Olympics in Rio in 2016.
Scotland kick off their campaign against Gordon Tietjens’ squad this morning in a pool that also includes Canada and Barbados.
Vernon has also been capped 20 times for the full Scotland squad, who have never defeated the All Blacks in 29 attempts.
It’s a brave man who would tackle the 6ft 5in man mountain from Dundee anyway but anyone who suggests this latest match up is a catchweight is also given short shrift.
He said: “Some people don’t like to be reminded of the fact we’ve never beaten the All Blacks but the prospect of taking on one of the world’s best teams only inspires me.
“Someone has to break our run without a victory against them, so why not us?
“We would be happy with any medal but if we can hit the heights of which we’re capable, and with the support of a home crowd, anything is possible.
“This is one of the strongest sevens squads we’ve assembled. We’re confident we have as good a chance as anyone we come up against, starting with the Kiwis.â€
Vernon was parachuted into the squad alongside 15s regulars Stuart Hogg and Sean Lamont and they have spent the last few weeks going over the structures to succeed in the world of sevens, in which games are 14 minutes of non-stop action.
The venue isn’t unfamiliar to him and neither are his team-mates, which only adds to his confidence.
Vernon added: “I’ve been to watch a couple of football games at Ibrox and the atmosphere is great. Scotland second row Al Kellock is a Rangers fan and took me to watch them beat Falkirk 2-0 a few years ago.
“I’m looking forward to playing in that arena.
“There’s pressure being the home nation and we don’t shy away from that. However, we’re confident if we play to the best of our ability there’s a great chance to do well.â€
Glasgow 2014: Scotland"s Rugby Sevens star Richie Vernon is ready to knock ...
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