Mustchin must take it on the chin

Former Canterbury forward Matt Mustchin will have to suppress his feelings for his native New Zealand as he trains with Scotland in preparation for their Test against the All Blacks on November 8.

Former Canterbury forward Matt Mustchin will have to suppress his feelings for his native New Zealand as he trains with Scotland in preparation for their Test against the All Blacks on November 8.

“Anything I feel for New Zealand has been put to the back of my mind because I'm doing everything I can for Scotland now, to get our first win over New Zealand,” he told The Scotsman in Edinburgh.

Mustchin, 31, qualified for Scotland through residency in June this year, starting in both Tests on their tour to Argentina.

Mustchin represented New Zealand at U16 and U19 level, played for Canterbury and Super Rugby for the Crusaders, but moved to Ulster in 2003 and then, in 2005, joined Edinburgh .

At Scotland's training base this week, he admitted excitement at the prospect of facing the All Blacks and in particular, captain, Richie McCaw.

“The opportunity to play against New Zealand is a massive carrot,” he said.

“Most people know I'm good friends with Richie from when we played together at Canterbury and the Crusaders. When the squad was announced I texted him and he texted back saying 'well done: now just get into the starting line-up'.

“It will be strange if I get in the 22 to face him and the All Blacks – the anthems, facing the haka and playing against them.

“Beating the All Blacks is definitely achievable, if we do everything we know we can do. For a game this big the preparation is the big thing – that has to be right to give every player a chance of performing.”