Young Gun Darcy can’t relax about being axed
BY DAVID KELSO EDINBURGH breakout star Darcy Graham admits the fear of being axed is driving him on to success.
The pacy winger has been a revelation for Gunners since swapping sevens for the 15-a-side game. But he has no doubt ruthless coach Richard Cockerill will drop him in a flash if his performance level dips and reckons that is bringing out his best.
Graham, who shone in the back-to-back December triumphs over Newcastle and Glasgow, said: “I am loving my rugby at the moment.
“Getting so much game time for the club is fantastic but I am taking absolutely nothing for granted.
“You never know what might happen from week to week and if you have one bad game Richard will swap you out.
“So you have to keep performing and taking your opportunities.”
Preparing for Saturday’s home Pro14 clash with the Southern Kings, Graham added: “My aim for 2019 is to keep improving because I want to nail down that place in the team.”
Despite the efforts of Graham and his backline mates he insisted Edinburgh’s re-emergence as a major force is down to the big men up front.
He said: “The forwards have been outstanding.
“They are winning so many penalties and it energises the whole team.
“Earning a penalty off a scrum is almost as big a lift as scoring a try.”
Graham made his Scotland debut in the autumn Tests and aims to stay in Gregor Townsend’s plans in World Cup year.
The 21-year-old added: “I got the last seven minutes against Fiji and it was a dream come true – now I have the taste for it.”