Visser relishing Scotland debut

Published: Wednesday, 13. June, 2012 in category Six Nations
Visser: Relishing Scotland debut

The Dutch-born winger became eligible for his adopted country yesterday after qualifying on the grounds of three years' residency and he was immediately drafted into coach Andy Robinson's side for Saturday's match against Fiji in Lautoka.

The 25-year-old Edinburgh flyer, who has been the top scorer in the RaboDirect Pro12 for three seasons running, is now chomping at the bit to finally be able to pull on the Scotland jersey.

"It feels really good. It has been such a long time, so to finally make it a reality is brilliant and I am very proud," said Visser, who joined Edinburgh in May 2009 after previously playing for Newcastle and Northampton in England.

"I can't wait to play, to be honest. I am really proud and honoured to be able to represent a

country like Scotland.

"They are one of the best teams in the world, they compete at the highest level. Being able to represent a beautiful

country like Scotland, which has welcomed me so well, is brilliant."

The only downside to Visser's international debut is that his family have not been able to get to Fiji, and will have to be content instead with watching the game on television.

"I think they'll probably watch it live in the early hours of the morning and then again when it is

repeated at lunchtime," Visser said.

Visser will this weekend be lining up against his Edinburgh colleague Netani Talei, the Fijian captain.

Talei, whose side lost to Samoa 29-26 on Sunday in the Pacific Nations Cup having beaten hosts Japan 25-19 five days previously, believes the clash with Scotland is one of the most important games he and many of his team-mates will ever play.

"It is big for everyone," he said. "For the Fiji Rugby Union, the players especially. It is a one-off event, you don't know when this will

ever happen again.

"I told the boys 'make use of the time and whatever you do come out hard. You will never get this opportunity to play a Tier One nation at home again'.

"For us it is a big opportunity because when we win we get to climb up the rankings as well. It will be a good day for us.

"Having Tier One nations coming in opens the gates for everything: for contracts for the local boys, sponsorships and more teams looking at us and say 'oh yes, they have improved'. Winning this weekend will be a massive, massive achievement for us."