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DICKINSON: I'LL NEVER FORGET DEBUT

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Alasdair Dickinson

Monday September 24,2007

Scotland's Alasdair Dickinson refused to let the 40-0 World Cup defeat by New Zealand ruin the memory of his international debut.

The 24-year-old was only called up to the squad after Allan Jacobsen tore a calf muscle during Scotland's opening Pool C victory over Portugal.

"It was definitely a dream come true," said the Gloucester prop. "It's always disappointing to lose, I never want to lose when I step on the park, but it's a day that I will remember for the rest of my life."

He added: "It's been a really sharp turnaround. I was watching the game against Portugal and then all of a sudden I was facing the Haka, and I still can't believe it really."

Scotland rarely looked like putting points on the board after Chris Paterson missed a drop-goal and Nikki Walker failed to pick up the ball in space down the left wing in the early stages.

Dan Parks, who came on for Paterson, admitted it was always going to be tough against the world's top team.

"They are the best team in the world, we can't forget that and they proved it," said the Glasgow fly-half.

"They made it very difficult for us. We didn't get any opportunity to play in the second half - we spent the whole time on our line, but our scrum held up well.

"It was gutsy, it wasn't thrilling, but we stuck in the whole match and they just showed their class.

"They were just too good. It's disappointing but we have got a big match on Saturday and we have to move on."


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