De Luca fears for World Cup spot
Nick de Luca said he would be “totally devastated” if he fails to make Scotland’s World Cup squad following his man-of-the-match performance in their final warm-up test against Italy.
The Edinburgh centre played a key role as the Scots defeated the Azzurri 23-12 at Murrayfield on Saturday, with coach Andy Robinson due to name his squad to travel to New Zealand on Monday.
But De Luca insisted he was still not a certainty to be involved in next month’s tournament.
“I was very happy with my performance and with the result, though we know there is still work to be done,” De Luca said.
“It was, however, another good stepping stone towards our campaign and a win is always important.”
Robinson said he knew his final 30 for the trip to New Zealand, but refused to give away any clues as to who will be on the plane.
De Luca will not rest easy until he sees his name on the list.
“Four years ago I was part of the training build up but missed out on selection,” he said.
“This time round I will be totally devastated if I am not in the squad. I just hope I have done enough to clinch it.
“I feel great after seven months on the sidelines with a groin problem. Now I just want to remain injury-free.”
Robinson said the final decision on the squad would be made after discussing matters with his coaches – and the injury report on Nikki Walker.
The Ospreys winger was stretchered off near the end with suspected serious ligament damage and looks certain to be ruled out of contention.
“He’s got damage to his knee and he’s going for further scans,” Robinson said.
“It’s really disappointing for him that he’s got the injury, but we are hopeful that it is not as bad as maybe first thought. Nikki’s the only concern I have.
“The one thing I’ve been really pleased about is the way we’ve started games and the energy we’ve put into that first 20 minutes,” Robinson added.
“In some respects we’re having too much possession.
“But the work we’ve been doing and the movement involving the whole 15 I’ve been pleased with. It’s important we’re able to build on the starts we’re getting.”
Robinson said the team were frustrated that they did not go on to beat Italy by 40 points with the opportunities they created.
“That’s the mentality, the skill level, the decision-making we’ve got to be able to find,” he said, looking forward to the World Cup.
“We are working hard to create opportunities – it’s now about really nailing them.”
Dan Parks staked his claim to win back the Scotland number 10 jersey with an impressive performance with the boot at Murrayfield.
Parks had dropped down the stand-off pecking order behind rookie Ruaridh Jackson, but a fine all-round display and a volley of pinpoint kicks have surely convinced Robinson that he should be the main man in midfield in New Zealand.
The Cardiff Blues flyhalf was voted top Scot in the 2007 World Cup – and he showed off his determination to spearhead the challenge again.
Mike Blair and Alasdair Dickinson scored the tries for Scotland, while Tommaso Benvenuti and Fabio Semenzato went over for Italy.
However, Mirco Bergamasco scored only a sole conversion for the Azzurri, while Parks successfully kicked three penalties and both conversion attempts to open up a gap on the visitors.
AFP
