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August 10, 2007

Rory out to prove a point

Posted by Editor on August 10, 2007 06:51 PM | No comments | Print | E-mail author

Rory wants to establish himself at full-back
Former Glasgow back Rory Lamont knows he has everything to prove against Ireland on Saturday when he starts his first match for Scotland in almost two years.

Not only is it Sale-bound Rory's last opportunity to prove to coach Frank Hadden that he should be in the 30-man squad for next month's Rugby World Cup, but it is also a golden chance to persuade Hadden he should play at full-back and not on the wing.

All five of the 24-year-old's previous starts for Scotland have been on the wing and despite impressing when he played at full-back as a second-half substitute during last season's Six Nations, Hadden has made no secret of his doubts about Rory filling that role on a more permanent basis.

"I think I'm beginning to sway his opinion," Said Rory.

"That's the position I played nearly all my games for with Glasgow last season so I think he is beginning to view me as a full-back, and now he has given me a chance to show what I can do.

"It's been nearly two years since I had my last start in a Scotland shirt so it is a massive opportunity for me to show what I can do, and I'm determined to take my chance."

Rory is hoping that his form for Glasgow this season, allied with his performances for Scotland A in the Churchill Cup earlier this summer, have convinced Hadden that he can now be trusted as Scotland's last line of defence.

"I feel that this has been my best season by far and I think I have cut out the errors in my game," he added.

"I think I'm safe under the high ball, my last man defence is pretty good and I can make an impact when running the ball back at the opposition.

"Hopefully Frank is beginning to see me that way too.

"Without doing anything particularly remarkable during the Churchill Cup, I was safe which is what Frank is looking for.

"The last time I started a game for Scotland was against Samoa in the autumn of 2005 and I think I was feeling the heat from Hugo Southwell and Simon Webster as well, and I think I went out in that game and tried too many things and maybe that is how Frank got the impression that I make bad decisions.

"He has always been happy with my ability to run the ball, but he has had doubts over my decision making.

"Now I've played a lot more games and I'm a lot more confident in my own ability so I don't feel I have to force things.

"I know that if I play my own game and keep my concentration then things will come for me."

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