And while supporters didn't have much to sing about last weekend following the national side's 32-6 defeat to the mighty All Blacks, one Borderer seemed to come out of the match in a good light.

Last week's Southern revealed that New Zealand skipper Keven Mealamu envied Ross Ford after discovering he would be receiving mentoring from former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick.

After coming up against the former Kelso hooker last weekend Mealamu added: "I would be very surprised if Ross Ford is not in South Africa with the British and Irish Lions next year. He is some size of a man and very powerful, and has the skills to go with it.

"Scrums were tough on Saturday and although some reckoned we were taking it down that was not the case. It was just the pressure of two solid packs who refused to take a step backwards." (Turn to page 23 to read local rugby pundit Stuart Cameron's take on last week's game.)

Ford will feature in the starting line-up again this weekend where the only change from last week will be the inclusion of Rory Lamont, who replaces his brother Sean on the left wing.

Prior to the international on Saturday, Melrose kick-off their Border League campaign when they travel to Scremerston to play Berwick.

On Sunday, Selkirk play their rescheduled league fixture against table props Stirling County at Bridgehaugh. Another win away from home will certainly give the Souters a huge boost, and on their current form there is no reason why they cannot get four or even five points this weekend.

Speaking after last week's away victory against Edinburgh Accies, evergreen No8 Scott Tomlinson said: "The guys are putting in the shifts.

"We've come on in leaps and bounds and we're tackling aggressively. We're blooding youngsters, too, and we're very happy with the way things are going. It's important to build on the work we've done."