CHRIS FUSARO can be the secret weapon Scotland interim coach Scott Johnson wants “in my back pocket”, as the Scots prepare for the RBS 6 Nations opener against England.
The Glasgow open side has been included in a senior Scotland squad for the first time among Johnson’s 35 choices for the preparatory training camp next week, and is the only specialist in that role picked, with John Barclay and Ross Rennie both injured.
However, many think the 22-year-old from Cupar should have been in the international set-up some time ago, after an outstanding debut season last year brought admiration from all over Celtic Rugby but didn’t win over Andy Robinson strangely so, as Fusaro seemed cut from the same mould as Robbo when he was a player.
With Robinson gone, Johnson barely hesitated before calling up Fusaro as part of his movement towards youth.
“He’s certainly something as a specialist open side that I want in my back pocket,” said the Australian.
“It’s important that we look at him because he’s played well in big games and been consistently good.”
For Fusaro, it’s extra special as he and Peter Horne are both selected, continuing their path all the way from Howe of Fife minis towards the Scotland set-up.
“Peter (Horne) and I have come through all the way since Howe, then Bell Baxter High, the U-20s, Scotland 7s and then professionally with Glasgow, so that does make it even more special, and hopefully we can make the next step together as well,” he said.
“Pete’s had an outstanding season so far after struggling with injury last year and it’s been great times for him, I’m really pleased and proud of him. There’ll be a lot of proud people back at the Howe.”
For Chris, a nagging groin injury has meant he missed much of the last month, but it should be clear to allow him at least a bench slot this week against Northampton in the Heineken Cup.
“The timing hasn’t been great because I’d had such a great run. Last season I played almost every game and didn’t pick up as much as a knock,” he explained.
“So being sidelined now has been frustrating, but it’s just about right and I’m delighted to be in the squad.
“The focus has always been about performing for Glasgow, and anything else out of that was a bonus, but like every professional player, my main goal has always been to play for my country.”
In terms of the modern international game Chris might seem on the small side at under six feet, but he’s got a perfect role model in Australia’s outstanding David Pocock.
“I’m the same size as David and he’s done pretty well, and our stature is almost an advantage at open side because so much of the skills for the position are on the deck and getting to the ball quickly, making as much of a nuisance of yourself as possible.”