John Rutherford

Published on Thursday 2 May 2002 01:00

John Rutherford won 42 caps at stand-off for Scotland, at the time a record in that position. A player of enormous natural talent, his early games for Scotland were characterised by a certain tactical naivety - the fact that Rutherford later transformed himself into the complete stand-off is a testimony to his own hard work on the weaker parts of his game, particularly his drop-kicking for which he still holds the Scottish record.

Rutherford began as a fantastic free-running player, with excellent handling skills, and the instinctive ability to find a gap in any defence. As he developed as a player he began to run games, kicking with assurance, and harrying opposition defences with the range of his abilities. He was also a fine cover tackler and acted almost as an auxiliary flanker at opposition set-pieces. In the Grand Slam season of 1984 he was perhaps Scotland’s most important player – when Rutherford’s game was on top form, so were Scotland.

Rutherford toured with the British Lions in 1983 and scored a try playing at centre in the third Test. He was selected again for the 1986 Tour of South Africa - this time at stand-off, his preferred position – but the tour was cancelled for political reasons.

Rutherford was rare among stand-offs in being equally happy playing a kicking or running game, whichever was more effective. He was an excellent reader of the game - demonstrated by his often inspired running off the ball – and as well as an exhilarating runner. Scotland’s best tactical stand-off.