Dickinson ready to let loose

A PROP is a prop as far as most rugby fans are concerned – but Alasdair Dickinson will aim this weekend to demonstrate the vast difference between playing loosehead and tighthead in the Six Nations.

The Gloucester forward will don the Scotland number one jersey for the first time since his debut almost a year and a half ago when Grand Slam-chasing Ireland arrive at Murrayfield tomorrow.

Seventeen-stone Dickinson has spent the first three games of the Six Nations filling in at tighthead, coming off the bench against Wales and Italy, and starting in the position against France.

The 25-year-old, who left Edinburgh for Gloucester in 2007, played his part in a collective malaise in the tournament opener against Wales but his performances in the subsequent matches were more than competent.

“Tighthead was always going to be a massive struggle and I think I proved it was,” said Dickinson

“I haven’t performed very well in the last couple of games so I’ve definitely got a point to prove. I’m looking forward to this weekend. Loosehead’s definitely more comfortable. At Gloucester, I’m not seen as a tighthead at all. When I went down there, they said, ‘We want you to play loosehead’, and I was happy with that. It’s always difficult to go back playing tight – especially when I’m not 130 kilos.

“Loosehead’s where I want to play and I have to go out there and prove it. It’s still going to be a massive challenge but it’s something I’ll definitely look forward to.”

Dundee-born Dickinson has been so unhappy with his contribution on the right-hand side of the scrum, it has even kept him awake at night.

“I take my rugby very seriously and when you don’t perform personally and the team don’t win, it’s a real kick in the a**,” he said. “I do take it personally and I pride myself on work ethic and I hate to lose. So, there’s a few sleepless nights but hopefully we can rectify that this weekend.”

Dickinson will make only his third Scotland start out of 12 caps this weekend and first at loosehead since the 40-0 World Cup thrashing by New Zealand.

He knows his first big opportunity to impress since that baptism of fire has only arrived because of an injury to Allan Jacobsen, who faces up to four months out after undergoing shoulder surgery.

“It’s always bittersweet getting a start the way I am,” Dickinson said. “Allan was probably the in-form prop in the championship and I owe to him to go out and perform.”