Duncan Weir calm on replacing injured Finn Russell for Scotland v South Africa clash
Thursday 1 October 2015 16:24, UK
Stand-off Duncan Weir is staying cool, despite the pressure of stepping in for the injured Finn Russell for Scotland's crucial World Cup clash with South Africa.
The Dark Blues' understudy playmaker has been handed the responsibility of making Vern Cotter's team excel in his Glasgow team-mate's absence.
Russell has been hobbling about on crutches since injuring his right ankle in Sunday's win over the United States and is not expected to resume training until the middle of next week.
Following back-to-back bonus-point wins over Japan and the US, they are getting ready to take on Pool B's top seeds South Africa on Saturday, when another victory will secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Weir, who has had just 20 minutes of action so far, is playing down the responsibility of matching Russell's levels of performance and said: "I don't really think about that. I think about what I can bring as an individual. I think about what I can control.
"There's no point me thinking about outside factors like that. For me, it's about doing my job really well, making sure I boss the team and (am) really vocal in attack. Those things are all in my control and I'll just focus on that.
"I've been waiting on my chance and as soon as the squad for Saturday got announced, I had to pinch myself - I'm going into St James' Park to start at a World Cup.
"I wouldn't say I feel pressure with what's at stake on Saturday - more excitement. We're one win away from a quarter-final with two games left.
"It's a huge achievement so far but it counts for nothing if we don't put in a performance this week and next."
Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw has formed an effective partnership with Russell since joining together 12 months ago - but he knows what it is like to link up with Weir and sees no reason to make major adjustments.
"I don't think I'll need to change anything," said the skipper. "Finn is a wonderful player but even though he's picked up a knock, he's played a lot of rugby as well so it's a good opportunity for 'Duncy' to come in.
"Early in the game it will be important for me to get him a few touches and settle him into his role. But Duncan has played enough rugby now to know what it's all about. He'll relish his chance."
