Skipper Stuart McInally says Scotland are determined to make Doddie Weir proud when they tackle Wales in the inaugural cup meeting held in his name.
The two nations will compete for the Doddie Weir Cup in Cardiff on Saturday, as the 48-year-old former Scotland international continues his battle against motor neurone disease.
Weir will attend the game at the Principality Stadium and Edinburgh hooker McInally admits it will be a special occasion.
Doddie Weir takes in the Principality Stadium before Wales and Scotland take to the pitch to play for Doddie Weir Cup tomorrow! #AsOne pic.twitter.com/6bvflJvmqe — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 2, 2018
“It’s hard to put into words what Doddie means to everyone,” McInally said.
“He’s going through such a tough time, yet his sole focus is on trying to raise awareness and trying to raise funds so other people don’t have to go through what he’s going through.
“Everyone in Scotland is aware of him and what he’s doing.
“It would be massive to do that (win). It’s something we’ve spoken about, making sure we make him proud and make the country proud.
📸 Delighted to be joined by some former greats at team run today, including @DoddieWeir5 who was on fine form ahead of tomorrow's Doddie Weir Cup clash! Also pictured is Jonny Gray, who walks out wearing the #5 jersey #AsOne @MNDoddie5 pic.twitter.com/0YWkVzNmpL — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 2, 2018
“Every time we pull on that jersey, we do our best. That goes without saying.
“But having something else to play for makes it even more special.”
Weir spent time with the Scotland squad on Friday as Gregor Townsend’s group went through their paces at the Principality Stadium.
The former second-row looked relaxed as he chatted to players and the coaching staff and McInally said Weir’s presence was greatly appreciated.
BREAKING | Scotland team named to face Wales this Saturday in Cardiff for the Doddie Weir Cup! 🏴 🏆 🏴 Ⓒ Stuart McInally returns as captain4️⃣ starters v Argentina in the Summer Test win return9️⃣ return to the fold from injury or a scheduled summer of rest#AsOne pic.twitter.com/k3hwoabEWW — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) October 31, 2018
“The fact that he was at our team run just builds the excitement,” McInally said.
“I think back to that New Zealand game (in November 2017) we played at Murrayfield.
“It was amazing watching him and his sons walk on to the pitch and present the match ball.
“I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house, even among the players.
🗣️ Gregor Townsend talks to Scottish Rugby TV after naming team to face Wales in Cardiff this Saturday.#AsOne pic.twitter.com/pURn1QlKfj — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) October 31, 2018
“We were really proud that we could make him part of that day – and it’s great to see that his legacy is still growing.
“He’s now going to have a trophy named after him forever, which is brilliant.”
The Welsh and Scottish Rugby Unions are donating a six-figure slice of the gate money to Weir’s My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The foundation was set up with the clear aim of supporting research to help find a cure for MND.
BREAKING | Scottish Rugby is proud to welcome a charity set up by former Scotland player Doddie Weir (@MNDoddie5) as one of its official charity partners. 🗞 More to follow. pic.twitter.com/wRohJn1QAW — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) July 27, 2018
“That’s a massive part of it (Doddie Weir Cup), it’s such a good thing that’s been done,” McInally said.
“That’s definitely right at the forefront of our minds, but this is a Test match for Scotland and a chance to pull on the thistle.
‘Yes, it’s brilliant that we can raise awareness for Doddie’s foundation.
“But it’s also a very serious challenge to come down here – and try to win.”
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