Six Nations: Sean Lamont understands Dougie Fife's frustration at missing out on Scotland squad
Friday 13 February 2015 16:16, UK
Sean Lamont admits to having sympathy for Dougie Fife after beating him to a place in the Scotland side to face Wales.
The Glasgow back replaces injured Warriors team-mate Tommy Seymour in Vern Cotter's side for the Murrayfield match, Cotter opting for Lamont's experience despite Fife playing well against France last weekend.
Fife came off the bench to score Scotland's sole try in Paris but 91-cap man Lamont comes back into the side as one of four changes from that 15-8 defeat, with the Edinburgh wing not even part of Cotter's 23-man squad.
Part and parcel
"I can totally understand why Dougie might be frustrated that he's been left out. He got his chance last week and took it well," Lamont said.
"But it's the coach's decision and unfortunately for Dougie he misses out. I'm just hoping to do as well as I can.
"I've spoken to him since the team was named. All the boys understand when things like this happen. If it affects you too much then you are in the wrong sport.
"When a player is replaced by someone else, they understand it is not the decision of the guy who has taken their place. It's the coach's.
"Yeah Dougie might be hacked off but he understands and knows this is just part and parcel of rugby."
Fife has big future
Fife went through some ups and downs at the Stade de France, handing France three points back after his try when he was penalised for petulantly throwing the ball away.
But Scotland coach Cotter says he did not hold that moment of rashness against the 24-year-old even though he decided to leave him out of his squad completely.
"It's tough for Dougie," Cotter said. "He's trained really well and is very keen. He certainly didn't do his chances for the future any harm with what he did in Paris.
"Dougie gives us great energy and he will be a fine player, He will use this time not being selected to work on his skill set to become a genuine and constant threat.
"But we have gone for an experienced guy who has been about a bit. We want to see our wingers work a lot off the ball so Sean has got the nudge."
