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| | Friday, 15 November, 2002, 16:58 GMT Ross warns against backlash  Scotland need to improve, despite thrashing Romania Saturday's Grandstand has live coverage of Scotland v South Africa, at 1430GMT on BBC One Gordon Ross's inclusion in Scotland's starting XV to face South Africa is something of a turnaround for the 24-year-old Leeds fly-half. Less than a year ago he was struggling to hold down a place at Edinburgh Reivers, forcing him to travel south for regular first team rugby. The move has proved inspirational, with both Ross and Leeds enjoying a blistering start to the season. But while the Tykes lie second in the Premiership, their young fly-half has gone one better, knocking Gregor Townsend off his perch to claim Scotland's number 10 jersey.
"I wouldn't say South Africa are a team in transition," he said. "They are a quality side who got some good results in the Tri Nations and I would never say any Springbok side were struggling. "They have so much pride in their rugby that we could face a backlash after their loss in France. "We have not always performed well against southern hemisphere teams, but a win would be a great boost ahead of the Six Nations and World Cup."
If playing the Springboks were not enough, Ross also has to deal with the expectation that comes when you replace a player of Townsend's calibre. The Borders and British Lion fly-half is considered something of a talisman for Scottish rugby, and Ross is aware that his performance will come under intense scrutiny. "I tend to get nervous before games and there have already been a few sleepless nights this week," he said. "A win against South Africa is overdue, but I am trying to put that to that back of my mind and focus on my performance. "Gregor gave me some helpful tips before my last two games, and I'm sure we will have a chat before the game. "I just hope I can bring the best out of a group of good players." | |
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