Gordon Reid: We’re capable of a blockbuster show

Reid refuses to write off his team and has taken heart from the underdog tales which have inspired so many movies. Picture: TSPL

The Glasgow prop is gearing up for a blockbuster quarter-final clash with the Wallabies at Twickenham on Sunday.

Few, if any, believe Vern Cotter’s side can upstage the Aussies in London and clinch a first semi-final slot in 24 years. But Reid refuses to write off his team and has taken heart from the underdog tales which have inspired so many movies.

He said: “It would mean everything to get that chance to play this weekend. It’s not just any team we are up against, it’s Australia – one of the biggest teams in the world.

“But we’ve got a bit of belief about us now. Our first objective was to get through to the quarters and now it’s knock-out rugby. Anything can happen. Everyone is writing us off as underdogs. I don’t care. It’s awesome. Just look at the movies. It’s always the underdog who wins – just look at The Mighty Ducks [1994 film about a minor league ice hockey team in the USA]. We can be those Mighty Ducks. This is the position we relish being in.

“Hopefully, we can go out and do ourselves proud at Twickenham.”

Scotland suffered an RBS 6 Nations whitewash earlier this year but have responded with an impressive display of single-mindedness, shrugging off the Japanese shock troops, dodging another banana skin laid down by the United States before withstanding a surprise Samoan onslaught to escape Pool B, with defeat by South Africa their only blemish.

The battle with the Pacific Islanders, in particular, has served to solidify Scottish resolve as they found a way to win despite shipping four tries in the St James’ Park thriller.

Wing Tommy Seymour insists that while the performance in Newcastle was not perfect, it has reinforced his team’s confident stride.

“The belief is there in the squad,” he said. “So going up against Australia, we know it’s going to be a hugely physical game and one we will have to be at our peak to win. The Samoa game has warned us about the things we have to do right. But we know when the clock is ticking if we do the right things we can come out on top.”

Scotland struggled against a physically superior Springbok XV two weeks ago and the task is no less daunting as they prepare to face a Wallabies outfit who have shipped just one try so far. But Glasgow back Seymour said: “I certainly think we have got the players to break them down. We have already scored a lot of tries in the competition so far.”