Scotland's latest cap call on 'fondest memory' in bid to make history
Hiddleston looking to carry momentum from try-scoring Test match debut into Loftus Versfeld return
There aren’t many non-South African based players who will have happy memories of playing at Loftus Versfeld over the years - particularly at Test match level.
The Springboks have a formidable record in Pretoria. No side other than the All Blacks has beaten them there since 1994. However, for Glasgow Warriors, the 51,000 plus capacity stadium will always hold a special place in the club’s history.
It was the venue that hosted the 2024 United Rugby Championships final when Franco Smith’s side famously upset the odds to beat the Bulls on their own patch and lift the trophy. That 21-16 win is not only one of the fondest memories” for Scotland’s latest internationalist, but one he hopes can provide valuable experience ahead of the national team’s upcoming Nations Championship clash.
‘One of the fondest memories I have’ - new Scotland star on returning to South Africa for Nations Championship clash
Gregor Hiddleston had a dream debut for his country on Saturday as he came off the bench to score a try in Cordoba, with the Scots beating Argentina 47-38 to kick off their inaugural Nations Championship campaign with a victory. The hooker hopes he has done enough to retain his place in the match day 23-man squad for their next Test this weekend.
“I've been there [South Africa] with Glasgow before,” explained Hiddleston. “One of the fondest memories I have was when we won the URC out there.
“That was a great night to be a part of, so looking forward to getting back. I think being in the URC, we go across our two-week tour every season, and it's massive for us.
“We're a bit more used to it now, going over there. I think we've got good experience being there and know what it's all about. But we know it's going to be a big test against South Africa and a big, strong team, so we'll have to put our best foot forward.”
Saturday’s win over Argentina at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes will be another night that will live long in the memory of Hiddleston as his career goes from strength to strength. The 24-yearold says he is loving every minute of being part of the Scotland set-up and spoke about just how special his debut was with his family over in South America to watch.
He said: “It's been a hell of a journey, and I'm glad I can be here, and when you've had a taste for it, you just want more. So, hopefully I keep being involved in this team because I absolutely loved every minute of being out here.
“If I'm being honest, the whole game went so quick, and I knew it would because the boys said to me that it'll be the fastest rugby I’ve ever played. You just want to try and soak everything in, for me it was about trying to soak everything up.
“My mum, dad and sister came across, it was very emotional seeing them after the game. I'm just buzzing that they could be out here, I'm very grateful for them coming out and supporting me and supporting all the boys."
Gregor Hiddleston ‘absolutely buzzing’ after try scoring debut helps Scotland win in Argentina
As far as the actual moment he was called on to take to the field and then crossing the line for the try, the Dumfries native is a bit hazy on the details. “Obviously you sit there a bit nervous throughout the game,” he explained, “but the boys were playing well and when I got the green light to go on I was actually over the moon and buzzing to get on.
“I can't remember, the game went so fast, but it was one of the early touches anyway, so yeah, it wasn't a bad thing to come on and score a try on your debut. I'm absolutely buzzing with that as well.
"All the boys did the hard work at the front, and we just kept creeping closer to the line, and I saw the gap, so I just went for it, and luckily enough I managed to get the ball down. I think big credit to the boys at the front of the maul first, and then I was just in a fortunate position to finish it off.”
Whether or not the momentum from Argentina can translate into a historic win in South Africa remains to be seen but, for now, confidence is high and Hiddleston is enjoying every minute of it. “I think there's definitely a lot of confidence in the camp,” he added. “You can see that even off the pitch as well, all the boys are so close and well-connected. It transfers into the pitch, so it's a really happy place to be.”
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