Scotland v Tonga: Alasdair Dickinson open to playing Tests on 3G surface

Scotland prop Alasdair Dickinson says he is happy to play Test matches on artificial pitches but admits he wants traditional grass surfaces to remain the norm.

Saturday's Test match between Scotland and Tonga at Kilmarnock's Rugby Park will make history as the first full international to be played on a 3G surface which was installed this summer.

Pro 12 outfit Cardiff Blues and Premiership clubs Saracens and Newcastle all play on artificial pitches in the domestic game in Britain.

"It's going to be pretty quick so I hope I don't get caught one-on-one with a winger," said the 31-year-old.

""I've only played down at Cardiff on their artificial pitch and it was fine. I quite enjoyed it.

"I've been down at Kilmarnock to look at their pitch and it looks awesome. It will be great for the rugby.

"Does this sort of thing have a future at international level? Well, if you had asked me that last year when the Murrayfield pitch was in the state it was, I'd have said 'yes'.

"But now it is immaculate I don't see why we should have to go to synthetic pitches.

"It all depends on the money and clubs but I would still prefer to see big Tests played on grass. I'm a bit old school like that."

Saturday's match is Scotland's final Test of the year, and Dickinson said his team-mates were determined to end 2014 on a high after an encouraging autumn in which they beat Argentina and pushed world champions New Zealand close.

"Things are really starting to come together," added Dickinson.

"A lot of young guys have transitioned seamlessly into the side and are up to speed. But everyone across the board needs to keep improving.

"But we have got good confidence from these last few weeks and now it is about finishing the series well against Tonga.

"They will pose a massive physical test so we have to prepare well."