THE Rucker asked for your favourite Six Nations memories and predictions, and I wasn’t disappointed. Some will appear later in the tournament but please carry on sending them to nationalrucker@gmail.com, keeping them clean as befits a family newspaper, of course.
Kevin McCusker’s tale was this: “A few years back, my wife and I took our daughter to a Scotland v France match at Murrayfield. She was about 12 at the time and just as the action was about to start, asked the following priceless question at the top of her voice: ‘Where’s the goalkeepers?’. This, of course, caused lots of mirth and laughter among those around us, especially the French, who thought it was brilliant.”
Alexander Morrison’s club must remain unknown for obvious reasons: “Attended a France game with my rugby club friends. One of them (who’ll stay nameless) invited his girlfriend along. Standing on the terrace at the time, we watched the game. On turning around to speak to my friend’s girlfriend, we found her sucking the face of a French man. Strangely, she didn’t return with us in the bus and was never seen again. From that day, only wives have been invited.”
Russell Andrew recalled Scotland’s 16-7 victory over France in 1982: “Following a fine victory and a number of libations a group of us were queuing to leave the old East terracing in anticipation of some celebrating in Rose Street. Being an impatient 19-year-old I tired of the wait and decided to descend via the rather damp grass slopes that once adorned the old Murrayfield terracing.
“Unfortunately, I lost my footing at the top and slid on my backside to the foot like some crazed tobogganist. Covered from head to foot in thick mud, I foresaw the big Edinburgh bouncers would not be inclined to allow this apparition entry to their fine ale houses. Fortunately one of my Edinburgh-based female friends came to the rescue and provided me with some of her finest Levis and sweatshirt.”
The Rucker once exchanged his kilt for a woman’s jeans in Cardiff, so I know how you feel.
George Greenshields has a happy memory I’m only too pleased to share: “The 1990 Scotland Grand Slam. A long time ago but it still lives in my fondest memories. Scotland were not given a hope in hell of winning, especially by the English, who had the temerity and indeed arrogance to have had T-shirts already printed pronouncing them champions.
“We gubbed them, well and truly! How I savoured it. I still have a recording of the match, marked 1990 Grand Slam, NEVER TO BE ERASED!”
But can we beat England and win the Slam this time? George said: “Realistically, no. But I dare to dream, just as I did before and during the World Cup. We all know what happened then.”
Alexander says: “If Scotland beat England then I see them having a good chance of winning it and the Ireland vs Scotland game being the championship/Slam decider, if not it’ll be the wooden spoon again.”
Russell added: “Unless some of the lacklustre form from our RWC stars is transformed I don’t see us beating England, or indeed France, at home. However, I think we can win the away games in Italy and (surprisingly) Ireland. Remember Ireland’s capitulation against Argentina. The Wales game is probably beyond us but mid-table mediocrity would be an improvement on recent years.”
O ye of little faith – Slam ahoy!
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