PATIENCE FINALLY PAYING OFF FOR TONKS

GREIG TONKS is desperate to grab the opportunity of an international lifeline, insisting that good things come to those who wait. Initially left out of Gregor Townsend’s touring party, an injury to Sean Maitland earned Tonks (pictured) a reprieve — and subsequently a starting place in the historic win over Australia in Sydney on Saturday. He is under no illusions that when Stuart Hogg returns for the autumn Test matches against New Zealand, Samoa and an Australian side that will be looking for revenge, the best he can hope for is a place on the bench. But Tonks is not worrying about that now and instead is just enjoying the moment of being a vital part of this Scotland team. ‘I was not originally going to be on the tour and then was called up quite late because of Sean’s injury,’ said the London Irish full-back, who opened Scotland’s scoring against the Wallabies with a long-range penalty. ‘I was really chuffed to put over the kick as it got us off to a great start and it sailed through with a few yards to spare. ‘For me to be brought in, then to start, then to kick some points, my first for Scotland, and to go on to win the game against Australia was something pretty special. It is the highlight of my career.’ Although he put over his penalty, Tonks was criticised for being badly outjumped by Australian full-back Israel Folau for the second of his two tries. Yet, that apart, he can be proud of what was a solid display. ‘I would not say I was worried about not playing for Scotland again but I would say that with London Irish being relegated I knew it would be difficult, really hard, for them to pick somebody who is playing Championship rugby,’ admitted Tonks. ‘We have been training like a Premiership team all season — even though we were in the Championship, so I felt in good shape. ‘We won the Championship this year, so are now back in the Premiership next season which was always the aim. ‘I always had returning to play for Scotland in the back of my mind by playing my best rugby and then, hopefully, something would happen off the back of it. ‘It has now and I want to make the most of my opportunity on this tour. ‘Maybe being in the Premiership next season will help. London Irish have made some great signings, like my Scotland team-mate Gordon Reid, and we want to do well in the league.’ Tonks is set to retain the Scotland No 15 jersey against Fiji at the weekend, where he wants to make sure the tour ends with a third consecutive win. ‘It is going to be really tough for us as Fiji have a big team and they also have flair players like Niko Matawalu,’ added Tonks. ‘But we have the momentum with us.’