The ace of the Harlequins made his first start for Scotland when Gregor Townsend’s team scored a record-breaking 52:10 triumph over Italy.
It was an unforgettable day for the 27-year-old when he did his first Test attempt in a game in which the Dark Blues recorded their biggest win in the Five or Six Nations had an outstanding performance.
But Steele was only relieved that Townsend finally gave him the opportunity to show his full potential as a center-back Proving evidence after being used as an emergency striker against Ireland last week.
« We know we could have used a few more opportunities »
Gregor Townsend spoke to the media after yesterday’s bonus points win over Italy at BT Murrayfield. pic.twitter.com/m9vhijwkmL
– Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 21, 2021
Gregor Townsend spoke to the media after yesterday’s bonus points win over Italy at BT Murrayfield. pic.twitter.com/m9vhijwkmL
On his international debut against Wales last October, he was also pushed into the wing after a series of injuries forced the Scots to reshuffle.
But Steele has now highlighted as a real threat to Ali Price’s status as Townsend’s first choice after setting the fast pace that helped tear the Azzurri to pieces in Murrayfield.
« It was just good to know that I was would start in my normal position as I won my first cap on the wing and got thrown in the back row last week, « he said.
» It was a little less nerve-wracking playing in my usual position, than playing in the back row and not really having a clue what was going on.
« And the game was great. Achieving eight tries was good for everyone and shows that we played some good things out there.
« There are still a lot of things we can fix, but for me personally it was amazing to try and make a first start. «
Captain Stuart Hogg has been pushed forward by the full-back to take over the injured Finn Russell’s number 10 jersey, and Steele admits he is leading his 84-cap skipper through the game had to, just like Hogg had to offer advice on how to deal with debut nerves.
« Hoggy and I had a lot of good conversations all week, » he said. « Finn was also very helpful to both of us, although he wasn’t an option.
» There are also a lot of seasoned people on the backline with the likes of Sean Maitland.
« So we just made sure we everyone caught up after practice to look at things and make sure we’re all on the same page because it was his first game at 10 am and my first game with the team at 9 am I think it went well . «
The win on Saturday was a much needed shot in the arm after two losses to Wales and Ireland.
And Scotland is now planning to use this morale booster to start its offer, France’s title hopes, who chase the championship to destroy.
Hello in the office 😀
Thank you for your home support. # AsOne pic.twitter.com/LyMb9BoUw5
– Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 20, 2021
« I think it will improve confidence, » said the Dumfries-born ace. « I think there are still things we can improve.
» We gave a couple of penalties halfway through which were probably unnecessary, and we didn’t quite get a point or two in our attack. «
» We’re still looking for that 80 minute performance, so we’re going to go out and work on it this week.
Ref: https://www.sportsmole.co.uk
