A weight of expectation is currently lying upon the Scottish players’ shoulders for the match at Murrayfield this weekend in the Emirates Airline Edinburgh 7s, the ultimate leg of the HSBC World Series, according to writer Alan Lorimer.

The squad that was chosen for the Murrayfield leg of the series, had got victory of the Plate the previous season following their victories over Wales, USA as well as, quite importantly, Fiji in the pool stage, and even South Africa in the semi-final of the Plate.

A year ago, towards the finish of their most successful season on the IRB circuit, Stephen Gemmell’s side had been defeated narrowly by South Africa during the semi-finals of the Cup following the victory over Samoa during the quarters. Further, there was even the satisfaction of a 33-17 victory over England on the first day.

In the current season, Scotland did not get to enjoy the successes of prior years, not least as a consequence of dithering from Murrayfield in professional sevens contracts. The postponing implies that Scotland has not been well equipped not just taking on the big boys in the world game but an also several emerging countries investing in strong squads.