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'We don't have a choice' - Blair Kinghorn on approach to Ireland game
By PA
Blair Kinghorn hopes his best form in a Scotland shirt is still to come as he prepares to win his 50th cap in Saturday night’s box-office World Cup showdown with Ireland in Paris.
The 26-year-old Edinburgh back made his debut in February 2018 and will bring up his half-century in the Stade de France in a match the Scots must win either with a bonus point or by denying their opponents a losing bonus if they are to reach the quarter-finals.
“It’s cool,” he said of the prospect of making his landmark appearance in the biggest game of his career to date.
“I’ll be very honoured to get my 50th cap at the weekend. It was something I probably felt wouldn’t come. Then all of a sudden it has crept up on me so I will certainly enjoy the experience.”
Kinghorn has scored 14 tries since making his Scotland debut five-and-a-half years ago.
His versatility has meant he has been deployed on the wing, at stand-off and at full-back throughout his international career, although he now appears to be settling into the number 15 jersey vacated by Stuart Hogg, who retired earlier this year.
Kinghorn admitted he has not yet hit the heights he expects of himself on a consistent basis for the national team.
“Peaks and troughs, I think,” he said when asked to reflect on his Scotland career so far.
“When I got my debut in that first Six Nations, I was having a really good time and covering maybe just wing.
“That summer tour I moved maybe more to full-back, then found myself starting on the wing for a little period of time then Duhan (Van Der Merwe) came along and kind of ruined that for me!
“There’s been up and downs. I’ve moved position a couple of times. I went to 10 for a bit but I feel like I’m really at home now back in that 15 jersey.
“I feel like I have not really showed how good I can be in my first 50 caps. I don’t take any cap for granted but I’ll certainly be looking to prove what I can do for the next wee while.”
Kinghorn is confident Scotland can get the result they need to prolong their World Cup campaign beyond this weekend.
“We don’t have a choice, it’s win or go home,” he said. “Everyone is pumped for it.
“You want to be playing in the biggest games possible and this is one of the biggest game possible for us.
“It’s a great opportunity. There are nerves about it, but it will be great atmosphere, great evening.
“We have got to be defensively sound as we know Ireland have a very good structure the way they play. We have got to get our attack clicking as I feel when we do, we can beat anyone.
“We need to do our thing and what better place to do it if we do?”
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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