Kellock: Raring to go

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson will on Thursday name his team for the clash at Rugby Park Stadium after his squad were given a rousing reception on their arrival on New Zealand's south island.

After being met at the airport by a crowd of more than 500, including senior figures of the local community, Maori warriors, school children, a piper and numerous members of the public wearing kilts, Scotland jerseys and waving the Saltire, captain Alastair Kellock stressed his desire to enter the fray.

Kellock, who is poised to be named in the team for Saturday, said: "We are hugely proud to be your guests for our first two games and like you, I'm sure, are raring to go, wanting the World Cup to get started.

"It's been a long time in preparation for us as well."

Scotland arrived in New Zealand from a training camp on Australia's Gold Coast with a clean bill of health.

They were immediately made to feel welcome and accepted the key to the city of Invercargill, which has numerous Scottish connections.

Kellock called for local support on Saturday after being received by a Maori dance on his arrival.

He added: "To come down those stairs was probably the most intense feeling I've experienced off a rugby park and I'd like to say a massive thank you.

"Many of us have been to Invercargill before and we know that there will be many things here will remind us of Scotland - it's great to see a piper, but probably the most obvious one I'm talking about is the weather.

"I'm hoping to see you all at a packed out Southland Stadium on Saturday.

"Thank you very much for your hospitality."

Scotland will be favourites to dispatch Romania and Robinson is expected to name a strong side tomorrow.

Kellock was among those who left as soon as official duties ended, with Richie Gray, Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford and Geoff Cross also departing.

Jim Hamilton and Euan Murray were among those to stay on, suggesting they are likely to have to wait until next Wednesday's clash with Georgia to get their chance.

The proximity of the games means Robinson is likely to utilise almost the entirety of his squad in the two matches in Invercargill to assess his options for the September 25 game with Argentina and the October 1 clash with England.

Like Hamilton and Murray, Rory Lawson waited until late on suggesting Chris Cusiter or Mike Blair will have the first opportunity at scrum-half.

Graeme Morrison, the only player to start both warm-up matches last month, was also among the final party to leave the airport for Scotland's city centre hotel, suggesting Robinson may opt for a new centre combination in Nick De Luca and Joe Ansbro or one of those two alongside Sean Lamont.

Ruaridh Jackson and Dan Parks are vying for the fly-half jersey, with each hoping to make it their own, while full-back Chris Paterson, holder of Scotland's points and appearances records, is set to feature in a fourth World Cup.

Scotland enter their opening World Cup encounter following three wins in their last three Tests.

Robinson's men ended a disappointing RBS 6 Nations campaign with victory over Italy to avoid the Wooden Spoon, before last month beating Ireland and the Azzurri in their two World Cup warm-up matches at Murrayfield.

While there is no doubt the matches with Argentina and England will be the toughest battles for Scotland, Robinson and Kellock both know anything but a strong performance could see Romania or Georgia produce an upset and a good start is crucial to their progress.