FORMER Lytchett Minster three-quarter Semesa Rokoduguni will tomorrow complete a remarkable rise up the rugby ranks when he makes his international debut against New Zealand.

The 27-year-old Bath wing, a lance corporal in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, played for Lytchett for just over a season from February 2008 while training with the British Army at Bovington Camp.

He will be the first soldier to win a cap for England since captain Tim Rodber in 1999 when he lines up on the right wing at Twickenham (2.30pm).

Rokoduguni, who qualifies for England on residency grounds, served the British Army in Afghanistan and sees parallels between the pressures of the military and professional rugby.

But he admits that the fundamental difference between the two is that one really is a question of life and death.

“It is similar to the pressure I felt out in Afghanistan, especially in the field," said Rokoduguni, who was Premiership player-of-the-month for October.

"In Afghanistan you had to be spot on with your drills, be punctual, dress correctly and be disciplined. You had to be alert every single moment.

"That sort of mentality fits in well on the rugby pitch. You need all those key points out on the field.

"If you're not there on time you miss the opportunity to score a try and it can cost the team.

“The only difference is that in rugby there is always a next time. Next week you can come back stronger and better.

"But in Afghanistan you have to be on top of your drills every single time, because if you mess up that can cost someone their life."