John Hardie’s rugby future – not just his fledgling Scotland career – could depend on how he grabs his unlikely chance against Italy in Turin this weekend.
The 27-year-old New Zealand born openside has been “parachuted” in controversial style into the Scotland Rugby World Cup training squad despite having never visited the land of his grandmother’s birthplace until he arrived for camp six weeks ago.
But the former Highlander from the Southland province is taking a considerable risk with his own career, coming to Europe with no guarantee of further employment beyond the date the Scottish RWC squad is named on September 1.
He is unlikely to find a place with either the Glasgow or Edinburgh pro team squads for the new season, and instead is using the RWC warm-ups and possibly the tournanent itself as a “shop window” for his services to stay in the Northern Hemisphere and pursue his Scotland career.
“I have signed a contract for a couple of more weeks and after that we will need to wait and see,” he explained. “I haven’t signed for Edinburgh or Glasgow so I’ve taken a big risk coming over here.
“I want to stay in the northern hemisphere and play for Scotland, if selected. I could do that by playing in England or France and I’ll need to look at my options because there is no fall back in terms of going back to the Highlanders in New Zealand.”
That’s quite a commitment for a player not that well known in European rugby circles, but Hardie is determined to make the most of what could be limited chances, satrting with his likely first cap against Italy this weekend.
“There are challenges in life and this is one for me,” he continued. “I’m not thinking ‘what if’, I’m happy with the decision I’ve made and I’m looking forward to the weekend and getting my chance in Italy.
“I’m totally committed to Scotland now, you’ve got to back your own ability and it’s about getting out there and performing. The next few weeks are going to be important for everyone and I am really no different.”
Hardie’s late arrival was due to him being with the Highlanders squad that were zeroing in on the Super Rugby title, and he wanted no distractions while that was going on, despite missing the final victory itself against the Hurricanes with injury.
“The move has been in the pipeline for a while but we had to sort out a few things, I got over here as soon as I could,” he said. “I was always looking to come over here and I’ve finally got the right time.
“It’s been a bit like the first week at a new school and there are a few boys from the southern hemisphere here that have helped me a lot, but all the guys have been good if I am honest.”
He is forthright about his qualification, from his late grandmother who was born in Fife but left for New Zealand as a teenager.
“Scotland is in my blood through my grandmother. But I’ve got to show my team mates how much that jersey means to me,” he continued.
“I know how much pride is in that jersey and I know the history too. You know by the way the boys train and the way they talk that it’s a massive thing, and it’s something I will honour.”
Head coach Vern Cotter has switched captains and made several changes in the forwards for the second warm-up game after the 28-22 loss to Ireland in Dublin, but there’s still no signs of regulars like Greig Laidlaw, Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg and Jonny Gray, nor of those who brought injuries into camp, such as Mark Bennett and Sean Maitland.
Grant Gilchrist – chosen as skipper for the Autumn Tests last year but ruled out with a broken arm – regains the captaincy after a strong performance against the Irish. Richie Gray is set to feature as is the likely “first choice” front row of Ali Dickinson, Ross Ford and WP Nel, who is set to make his debut after completing the three year residency qualification.
Last week’s entire back row contingent are replaced by fresh faces but in the backs only two players come in, the uncapped Damien Hoyland and Rory Hughes, both surprise squad choices. Dougie Fife and Tim Visser drop out of last weekend’s 25.
This is the first of back-to-back matches against the Italians with the Azzuri coming next week to Murrayfield – where they won in March – for the only home warm-up for the Scots.
The Scotland team will then announce the final 31-man squad the following week before concluding preparations against France in Paris on September 5.
Scotland squad (sponsor BT) to face Italy at the Stadio Olimpico, Turin, this Saturday 22 August (kick-off 7pm BST) live on BT Sport.
Backs: Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (Edinburgh Rugby), Peter Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Damien Hoyland (Edinburgh Rugby), Rory Hughes (Glasgow Warriors), Ruaridh Jackson (Wasps), Sean Lamont, Henry Pyrgos (both Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott, Greig Tonks (both Edinburgh Rugby), Richie Vernon, Duncan Weir (both Glasgow Warriors),
Forwards: Adam Ashe, Kevin Bryce, Mike Cusack (all Glasgow Warriors), Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford, Grant Gilchrist CAPTAIN (all Edinburgh Rugby), Richie Gray (Castres), Jim Hamilton (Saracens), John Hardie (unattached), Stuart McInally, Willem Nel (both Edinburgh Rugby), Gordon Reid (Glasgow Warriors), Alasdair Strokosch (Perpigan), Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby).