Fraser McKenzie says he is relieved to have finally made his Magners League debut for Edinburgh, but the youngest member of the squad revealed he wants to add that experience sooner rather than later.
The 21-year-old forward impressed supporters during pre-season with some assured displays at blindside against Harlequins and Newcastle. But he made his Edinburgh bow – in his second season as a professional – in the engine room alongside lock Craig Hamilton.
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Nevertheless Dunfermline-native McKenzie says he is willing to play anywhere in order to gain experience and is hungry to be involved with the match squad.
McKenzie said: “It was good to get some game-time in because I’ve waited a long time to be involved.
“The previous two times I’ve been on the bench for Edinburgh in a Magners League game I’ve not gone on, so it was a bit of a relief to get on.
“I wanted to progress quicker than I have done so far. But when you play for a successful team like Edinburgh you have to wait your turn and bide your time.
“Now hopefully I can get some more game-time and build on the performances I put in during the pre-season friendlies.
“I understand the back row is doing well, but I would still love to be part of it.”
A lock with Scotland’s under-20 team, McKenzie acknowledges his big frame will always lead to him being considered as a potential occupant of a second row berth.
He added: “I’m 6ft 6”, so I’m probably big enough to play in the second row and if I’m required to play there then I more than happy to do so.
“I think that suits me because, even though you don’t want to be known as being just a utility forward, I will play anywhere to get games.
“I think that is a big factor for me; I’m getting practice in by playing both positions, so I’m quite happy with that.”
His versatility has drawn comparisons with former Edinburgh forward Matt Mustchin, who joined the club as a flanker, but ended up getting capped by Scotland as a lock.
He said: “Chops (Mustchin) was an exception because there aren’t many forwards who are just 6ft 4” tall who can play second row at Test level.
“Jim (Hamilton) and Hammy (Craig Hamilton) both tower above me and I’m 6ft 6”, so I think that shows Chops’ nature because he was just hungry to play anywhere on the park.
“I talked to Chops about it when he was here. I guess we are similar players and I realise that I will always be seen as being a versatile forward who can play both second row and back row.
“I just want to play week in, week out for Edinburgh. When I’m involved in the match day 22 I feel I’m learning from the experience.
“I’m still the youngest in the squad for the second year on the trot now. I’m still only 21 years old, but I feel I’m getting older now and getting more experience.”
