'Work hard and put my body on the line, that's how you gain respect'

Luke Crosbie is honoured to be captaining Scotland A against Chile in Santiago on Saturday. The 25-year-old Edinburgh flanker has only one senior cap to his name so far after making his international debut against Tonga last October.

Scotland management have been impressed with his natural leadership style during his time as a squad member, and Crosbie is relishing the chance to skipper his country this weekend as they kick off a summer tour of South America which will also include a three-Test series against Argentina.

“It’s really exciting to have the opportunity to do that role for the country,” he said. “It’s a great group of boys and it’s special for me that the coaches think I can fill that role. It’s great.

“The main thing for me is having respect for my team. I always aim to behave in training in a way where I’m leading and showing a good example for the players around me, so when you speak the other players will listen to you.

“If I can have respect for my team, work hard and put my body on the line, that’s how you gain respect. What comes from that is you get put in a role like this, which is great for me and my family.

“I’ve had a lot of messages since it got announced. My wee granny has been messaging. I’m sure my family will all be watching the game.”

Scotland arrived in Santiago on Monday and Crosbie feels his team – made up almost exclusively of Edinburgh and Glasgow players this weekend – are in good fettle ahead of their clash with a Chile side gearing up for their World Cup play-off against the United States next month.

“It’s been a good training week,” he said. “We started together in camp last week and we’ve had great sessions and the team are bonding really well. We’re looking forward to getting out there and getting things done.

Luke Crosbie scraps with Glasgow players (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)

“I want to see intent and energy and I’m sure the players we’ve got in this squad will bring that. We need everybody working hard for each other and sticking to our system, making sure we implement it on the field.

“We need to enjoy it as well because it’s special to play for your country, especially over here. We need to be in the moment and enjoy it.

“Everybody’s been so welcoming to us out here. It’s a great place. The hospitality has been great round about the training facilities and everything. It’s been a great experience for us so far.”