Tuesday 24 June 2014 23:17, UK
Tyrone Holmes is relishing the opportunity to line up for Scotland against the country of his birth, South Africa.
The 28-year-old flanker has been called into the squad for the Scots’ final tour match against the Springboks in Port Elizabeth.
Though Holmes’ father, Stephen, emigrated before he was born, the Glasgow Warriors forward claims he has always dreamt of representing Scotland.
"This is a great opportunity," he said. "Back in the day I used to joke with my old man about one day playing for Scotland.
“It has always been the ambition, part of the plan and something I have been striving towards."
Holmes looks certain to make the 23-man team sheet with coach Vern Cotter having only four back row forwards to choose from.
The former Western Province player, who was born in Johannesburg, has settled in quickly with the squad but knows they face a tough test against the crafty Springboks.
"It is my first call up to the squad and my first week with the Scotland boys, and the environment I've found has been great," he said.
"It is great to be part of it. I want to use it as a learning opportunity to take in as much as I can and, if I get my chance, to do my best.
Wales did well to run them so close at the weekend which shows that nobody is unbeatable, everyone has chinks in their armour.
"The Springboks are always great tacticians at the breakdown and it is going to be a physical battle there.
"They are rated No 2 in the world so it is going to be a tough all round game and that (the breakdown) is going to be a huge aspect of the game.
“I aim to make a nuisance of myself and do my best to get stuck in.”
South Africa staged a storming comeback against Wales last week, overcoming a late 17-30 deficit to eventually win 31-30.
Scotland are looking to earn their fourth consecutive tour win after victories over USA, Canada and Argentina and Holmes said Wales’ performance shows the Springboks are beatable.
"Wales did well to run them so close at the weekend which shows that nobody is unbeatable, everyone has chinks in their armour,” he said.
"Their structure and game plan will remain the same, you are never going to come up against a weak Springbok side," he said. "Maybe, there are guys who can't play but the team will be just as strong.
"We want to bring some physicality and some heat to the breakdown – all aspects of the game and if we can do that we stand a good chance."
