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Sutherland desperate for 2016 RBS 6 Nations chance

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Scotland prop Rory Sutherland insists his last-minute call-up into Vern Cotter’s World Cup squad can propel him into the reckoning for an RBS 6 Nations berth next year.

Scotland prop Rory Sutherland insists his last-minute call-up into Vern Cotter’s World Cup squad can propel him into the reckoning for an RBS 6 Nations berth next year.

The 23-year-old Edinburgh man was brought in ahead of Scotland’s quarter-final exit to Australia to act as front-row cover, when he believed he would be lining up against Ulster at BT Murrayfield that weekend.

But with Scotland’s RBS 6 Nations opener against England less than four months away, Sutherland is desperate to ensure the inclusion is more than just a flash in the pan.

And having had a taste of life in the international set-up, the rookie is out to prove he is good enough to rise up the Scotland pecking order.

“I was just getting ready to head to Murrayfield last Friday when the phone call came out of the blue from Scotland team manager Gav Scott,” Sutherland told the Scottish Daily Record.

“Ryan Grant had been ruled out with an injury and I was the man they wanted as cover.

“The chat with Gav just sent my mind into a whirl and I paced the floors of the house for about 15 minutes, taking it all in.

“I was totally flabbergasted. The coach journey with the squad to Twickenham was amazing.

“Even a mile from the stadium the atmosphere was incredible and so many thousands of fans were cheering and waving. It was even more intense during the walk-in at the ground.

“When the match began I couldn’t even hear myself shout. Even though I didn’t play, the experience has given me so much confidence and hunger.

“A little taste gives you a craving and it is great to know that I’m at least on the edge of Vern’s thoughts.”

Click here to see the 2016 RBS 6 Nations fixtures