Petrie to finish on a high
Scotland number eight relieved to be over injury hell
Scotland international Jon Petrie admits he was the most stunned man in the touring party when he was called up to the starting XV for the second Test against South Africa.
The Glasgow Warriors number eight will line up against South Africa on Saturday determined to end an injury-ravaged season on a high.
The 29-year-old was captain of the Scots team for the win over Romania last summer, which prompted then interim boss Frank Hadden to be named permanent head coach.
But a dislocated shoulder in the first Celtic League game of the season in September left Petrie sidelined for the Autumn Test series as Jason White took over the Scotland captaincy.
Now the back-row forward has vowed to repay Hadden for his return to the team by helping the Scots claim an historic win at the EPRU Stadium, avenging the 36-16 loss last week.
"I had absolutely no inkling on Wednesday morning that Frank would read my name out in his team. You can never read anything into training," said Petrie
"It was a shock and I was probably the most surprised man on the coach. It was the last thing I expected.
"I had been working really hard on the trip and kept plugging away, however, I didn't think there was any prospect of getting the call.
"Now I am really looking forward to the match and I will give it everything.
"It has been a long hard season for everyone, especially for me after my injury worries during the first few months.
"This will be the last effort of the term and we will go out there and devote 100% to Scotland.
"That is what we all have to do if we are to front up and have any chance of getting back at South Africa.
"Even if I only last 60 minutes, I will be happy as long as I have performed to my full ability.
"I know I will have two guys in Donnie Macfadyen and Kelly Brown, who will come on and make an impact.
"Donnie was brilliant in the first Test in Durban and Kelly did a powerful job as a substitute.
"With that pair waiting in the wings, I know I can give it a blast until I am exhausted."
But Petrie has pledged to give his all for the Scotland cause in the second Test.
"It is no secret it has been an up and down season for me," he continued.
"This time last year, I was captain of Scotland against Romania in Bucharest and then came the injury.
"There have been other setbacks, but I have never stopped working and there was no question of me giving up.
"I have just regarded the situation as another massive challenge – and one I intend to rise to and end the season on a high."
