Scots meet modern-day William Wallace

William Wallace (of the Lower Hutt Wallaces) wore the tartan but not the blue face paint to Scotland's well-attended open training session for fans on Sunday morning.

The Scottish-born mayor of Lower Hutt, who usually goes by his middle name of Ray, also resisted the Mel Gibson "lives and freedom" speech in welcoming the team to the session at the Hutt Recreation Ground, near Wellington.

"Everyone here is hoping for a Scotland-All Blacks final," Mayor Wallace told the players, while diplomatically declining to also state a preferred winner.

The Kirkcaldy-born mayor, whose family came to New Zealand when he was three, said three of the city's 12 councillors were Scottish-born and the Scottish flag was flown alongside the New Zealand one at the town hall.

Scottish weather

As the players took the field to the pipes and drums of the City of Wellington Pipe Band, they received a rousing cheer from the crowd of about 350 who had braved the Scotland-type weather of mist and rain.

After finishing training the players took some of the local children for a skills session before seeking shelter to sign autographs.

“I’m not the best kicker in the game, but I tried to pass on a few pointers," said Scotland centre Joe Ansbro. "When they ask what position I play, and it’s the same as theirs, they’re pretty chuffed.

“I even had some girls come over and we talked about the different skills you need for rugby and netball and we had a bit of fun with that.”

Utility back Chris Paterson was impressed with the pipe band.

"They were excellent. I'm not a connoisseur but they sounded bloody good to me."