Rugby: Andy doesn't have to pass nationality test – De Luca

Published on Wednesday 10 March 2010 08:45

NICK DE LUCA today insisted Andy Robinson's commitment to rugby transcended the traditional Scotland-England rivalry.

Much has inevitably been made of the fact ex-England flanker Robinson will coach Scotland when the Auld Enemy lock horns at Murrayfield on Saturday in the RBS Six Nations Championship.

But centre De Luca, recalled to win his 16th cap in what will be a first start under former Edinburgh mentor Robinson at international level, summed up the mood in the camp, saying: "It is not an issue that Andy is English.

"Every coach wants to be a winner regardless of who he is in charge of and a winner is exactly what Andy is.

"I don't know Andy particularly well on a personal level.

"But I do know he will be champing at the bit to win every game and more so just now as this latest one draws nearer.

"So far as the (Scotland) players are concerned, it is the next international."

Although recently making eight Test appearances from off the bench, De Luca has been waiting since November 2008 – when facing Canada at Aberdeen's Pittodrie Stadium – to run on for the kick-off.

That experience has left him showing signs of pent-up frustration which Robinson, with his hunger to be involved, would surely approve of. "I was hopeful of another start before now but I'll take it," says De Luca, clearly delighted to be answering the Robinson call.

"I was at Edinburgh when Andy arrived at the club and we were delighted to get such a world-class coach as can be seen from the results he achieved.

"The word 'ruthless' was soon banded about to describe his coaching methods and that's exactly the way it is.

"With Andy you can't hide.

"His attention to detail is so great he picks up on things you, as a player, didn't even notice.

"With his huge rugby knowledge Andy has been a huge influence.

"Already we have had a chat about what is expected of me and he always has high expectations. I'm looking forward to delivering for someone who, whatever the emotion and hype surrounding the game, will do a professional job as will the players. There will be no better occasion for a Scottish fan and, as a Scotsman representing them, I am looking forward to it."

Scotland are still looking for their first win of this Six Nations series but, so far as De Luca's personal fortunes are concerned, things get better and better.

"It's not been a bad few days" admitted the former Edinburgh Accies and Heriot's star, adding: "Things started when I signed a new Edinburgh contract, which I'm delighted with, and followed on through to Sunday's (33-17) win over Ospreys.

"To be a centre playing a part in a performance where all five tries came from the wings (four) and full back was extremely satisfying. In the first half, things didn't quite click and we turned round 7-0 in front. After that, we took our chances with Tim Visser on fire, Andy Kelly carrying ball exceptionally well and both Ben Cairns and Mark Robertson doing really, really well. "It's just a shame there isn't another Edinburgh game until we entertain Llanelli Scarlets on 26 March but what is encouraging is that we nailed the specifics and the aim is obviously to do the same now with Scotland. Being handed the honour of wearing the jersey against England adds to what was already a great week."

In addition to De Luca, Allan Jacobsen, Jim Hamilton and Ross Ford starting, Edinburgh supply bench cover in the form of Phil Godman, Alan MacDonald and Geoff Cross.

Though Mike Blair is absent recovering from concussion, Cross is back involved for the first time since facing Wales on his debut last year.

"What you see is what you get with Geoff," said De Luca, adding: "He's a strong scrummager and a good ball carrier."

Meanwhile, De Luca dismissed concerns over the six-day turnaround for some of the Edinburgh contingent after Sunday exertions against Ospreys.

"I didn't play for three weeks before my first cap and much prefer to be playing every week," he said.

England team to play Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday: D Armitage (London Irish); M Cueto (Sale), M Tait (Sale), R Flutey (Brive), U Monye (Harlequins); J Wilkinson (Toulon), D Care (Harlequins); T Payne (Wasps), D Hartley (Northampton), D Cole (Leicester); L Deacon (Leicester), S Borthwick (Saracens, captain); J Haskell (Stade Francais), J Worsley (Wasps), N Easter (Harlequins).

Replacements: S Thompson (Brive), D Wilson (Bath), C Lawes (Northampton), L Moody (Leicester), B Youngs (Leicester), T Flood (Leicester), B Foden (Northampton).

Scotland team

H Southwell (Stade Francais)

S Lamont (Scarlets)

N De Luca (Edinburgh)

G Morrison (Glasgow)

M Evans (Glasgow)

D Parks (Glasgow)

C Cusiter (Glasgow, capt)

A Jacobsen (Edinburg)

R Ford (Edinburgh)

E Murray (Northampton)

J Hamilton (Edinburgh)

A Kellock (Glasgow)

K Brown (Glasgow)

J Barclay (Glasgow)

J Beattie (Glasgow)

Subs: S Lawson (Gloucester), G Cross (Edinburgh), N Hines (Leinster), A MacDonald (Edinburgh), R Lawson (Gloucester), P Godman (Edinburgh), S Danielli (Ulster).