What do you call a Scotsman at a World Cup final? -

And if he succeeds, nowhere will the celebrations be greater than on a farm near Hawick.

The 27-year-old Auckland Blues scrum-half, who was born in the BGH and brought up in Peebles – came off the bench last weekend to help New Zealand to a comfortable semi-final win over Argentina.

READ MORE: New challenge for Hawick man Rory Sutherland

He is hoping to do the same on Saturday night when the All Blacks take on the Springboks at the Stade de France.

His mum, Liz Fleming, was brought up at Hislop Farm at Teviothead where her brother Sandy still farms.

Rugby fan Sandy, who was taught at school by a certain Bill McLaren, said: “We’re all very, very proud of Finlay who has worked very hard to get to where he is. When he was younger he was up doing gymnastics before he went to school.

READ MORE: Borders man appointed President of Rotary International

“His mum Liz has been staying with us for a few days and just left to fly from Edinburgh to Paris for the final. I’d have loved to be there but I’ve too much on at the moment so I’ll be watching the game at home with a few friends.

“Finlay had a chance to play for Scotland a few years back, but he opted to play for the All Blacks and it looks like he made the right decision.

“So we all wish him good luck in the final and hopefully he comes off the bench and the All Blacks win the cup.”

Christie featured in the opening game of the tournament against France but was left out of the squad for New Zealand’s second pool match against Namibia.

He emigrated to Pukekohe in South Auckland with his family when he was seven.

And the athletic youngster represented New Zealand at gymnastics before focusing on rugby.

Nicknamed ‘Red’ due to his hair colour, inherited from his mother’s line, Christie had been on the verge of taking a diesel mechanic apprenticeship.

But then he decided to head to Christchurch to attend university.

He started in engineering and switched to commerce, before rugby took over after his first year.

He began his senior rugby career with National Provincial Championship side Tasman in 2016, moving on to Super Rugby the year after with Chiefs, switching to Wellington’s Hurricanes in 2018 and present club side Blues last year.

Christie was in the Blues side that won their first Super Rugby title in 18 years last month by beating Dunedin’s Highlanders 23-15 in the Trans-Tasman competition’s final.