Skipper Blair hoping for silent treatment
Published:
SCOTLAND captain Mike Blair is hoping to silence the Argentine fans in Saturday’s second Test in Buenos Aires.
The Edinburgh scrum-half has noted how the Pumas’ normally vociferous supporters were left dumbstruck when the Scots led 15-10 in the first Test in Rosario.
Argentina hit back to win 21-15, but it was only when their heroes went ahead that the fans regained their voices.
Blair believes keeping the crowd quiet could be crucial to Scotland’s chances of squaring the series.
He said: “The Argentinian fans are more like football fans. They were more silent when we were 15-10 up, but really passionate when they took the lead.
“We have to prevent that from happening because the players feed off the crowd.”
Blair is confident his side can upset the odds against a side seven places above them in the world rankings.
“We have proved that we can win,” he said.
“Argentina’s performance was impressive for a team that only got together a week before and we have some young players like Ben Cairns, who had his first cap.
“We are using these games not only to develop players, but also to improve our position in the rankings and the 2011 World Cup seedings.
“They are a very strong squad and deserve to be third in the ranking.
“We are 10th and we thought that the game last week was a very even contest. We have to aim high if we are to win in Buenos Aires.”
