Metcalfe believed Glasgow's slump in form would count against him. But now he's set to kick-start his Test career and cement his place in the World Cup in Australia this October. He said in the Sunday Mail: "Ian and the other Scotland coaches have made it clear they had to select the form players for the Ireland game. And that is why, rightly, there is a large contingent from Edinburgh. They have been winning most of their games and winning them well. Given the Glasgow results and the way we've been performing Gordon Bulloch and I have to consider ourselves pretty lucky to be in the Scotland team."
Metcalfe paid tribute to Warriors backs coach Steve Anderson, soon to join the national squad set- up. He explained: "Steve has brought in a self-analysis format to the side which is based on the individual getting his game right and doing his job in training and on the pitch. This has been a big help in focussing on what we've to do. You must have confidence in your own game and then in the international squad you feed off the other guys."