Godman's 'huge opportunity' to impress
Phil Godman lost the Scotland No.10 jersey to an in-form Dan Parks in the Six Nations, but he is hoping to use an opportunity against a Japanese Select XV to get it back.
Parks had a spectacular Six Nations at flyhalf for the Scots, which saw Godman displaced as the first-choice pivot in the national team and now Godman hopes to ‘remind’ head coach Andy Robinson of what he can do.
“We have to play well, get our standards right, and view this as a major step forward towards the Argentina tour,” said Godman.
“Dan did really well during the Six Nations, the shirt is his at the moment, but Andy [Robinson] has picked a really strong team here so it is a huge opportunity for me to remind him of what I am capable of.”
Despite Robinson picking a somewhat experimental side for what is destined to be a largely one-sided battle, Godmand insists that the side will not underestimate their Asian rivals and are viewing the game in a serious light.
“It is important that we get the tone right. They are going to be a serious challenge.
“We’re training hard with 15 against 15, but there is no doubt that it is beneficial to get a game like this in the national stadium to get a real feel of how we are shaping up in a serious rugby-playing environment.
“This is a good Japan side – we are all in no doubt about that, so we’re all looking forward to it.”
