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The ambitious Scotland target James Dobie has set for himself
By PA
Versatile back Jamie Dobie views the Autumn Nations Series as a massive opportunity to become a more prominent member of the Scotland squad. The 23-year-old made his debut three years ago this week against Tonga but has managed to accumulate just six caps, four of which came on this year’s summer tour of the Americas.
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The Glasgow scrum-half, who can also play on the wing, missed out on last year’s Rugby World Cup and then failed to make the Guinness Six Nations squad earlier this year. After being recalled for the summer tour, Dobie is hoping to enjoy more game time in the November Tests against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal and Australia.
“It’s a massive campaign and season for me,” he said. “I got my first cap three years ago from this series now and had to wait almost two years to get my second cap and then I missed out on the World Cup squad. But coming back in for the summer tour, it was a great opportunity for me to spend it in this environment.
“I ended up being involved in all four matches so that was massive for me personally. The start of the season with Glasgow has been relatively positive so I’m happy with where my rugby is at and the direction it’s going. Hopefully, this is going to be a big few weeks to really cement a place in the squad and be involved in as many of the matches as possible.”
Dobie’s quest for more game time in the Test arena is enhanced by the fact that as well as specialising at scrum-half, he has become comfortable operating on the wing. He started the matches against Chile and Canada in the number 14 jersey and chipped in with three tries.
“I’m definitely happy playing both positions now and obviously the main thing is being involved, whether that is at scrum-half or wing,” said Dobie. “I still see myself as playing scrum-half the majority of the time and having the additional benefit of being able to cover the wing.
“On the summer tour, the two starts I got were on the wing, so I only see that as a benefit for me, being able to cover those positions. In the last couple of years, with (Glasgow coach) Franco Smith running the 6/2 bench, I have spent plenty of time on the wing.
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“It started when we had a few injuries in the back three at Glasgow and, just naturally with the 6/2 split, I think from one of the games I ended up on the wing and must have done an alright job and the coaches were happy.
“Since then I have obviously started a few games for Glasgow, even in Franco’s first year, and then the national coaches have seen that I’m comfortable out there. It’s good to be able to cover both, I only see it as a good thing for myself.”
