The win in Australia in 2017 was undoubtedly the highlight of my career – I didn’t anticipate even getting on the Scotland tour because I was playing in the Championship with London Irish at the time. So, to get picked for the tour, picked for the big game on it, to win (24-19), as well as score my only Test points, made it very special.
A penalty early in the game gave me the chance to take a long-range effort at goal. I thought this is either going to be a cracking start or a pretty bad one. Thankfully, it sailed through. Hamish Watson scored in the corner just past the hour and the last ten minutes we hung on for dear life. It was an incredible experience.
That was my second and last victory in a Scotland jersey, as my eighth and final cap came in Suva later on that tour – not a bad place to bow out – even though the result went against us. Fiji is a beautiful place and the people were so welcoming and kind.
The game against Fiji was similar to my international debut against Samoa, four years earlier in a quadrangular tournament in South Africa – very physical. My overriding memory of that game was the damage the Samoans inflicted on us, with multiple injuries as the game unfolded. I was frustrated we didn’t get a better result and at my own performance, because that game tarnished the coaches’ view of me, and I didn’t play again until the following year’s Six Nations.
Although I only had a short time with Scotland under Gregor Townsend, I was very impressed. He is big on detail and very technical – someone who can create and deliver a clever game plan. I learnt a lot from him and it was good to get an insight into how he saw Scottish rugby going forward.
Denne historien er fra May 10, 2020-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra May 10, 2020-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
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Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
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Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
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Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
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