He is aiming to take advantage of a start against Italy at McDiarmid Park tomorrow night to show watching selectors just what he is capable of. "Because this is World Cup year, everybody is hoping to play well and put their names forward," the New Zealand-born player admitted.
"I am no different. But, to further my cause, I simply have to focus on the job facing me. But I started all of the A team's games in November and am confident I can do that. It has been a good experience just being with the squad for six or seven weeks. I have learned a lot working with Duncan and the rest of the boys. I got about 25 minutes of play in the heavy defeat against England last week."
"It was the worst loss I have been involved with and I am glad to get the opportunity to put that right. This is our last game in the Six Nations and we don't want to finish up with a loss. I have played against Italy at age group level and know it will be tough."