"I think every player is viewing it as possibly the only chance to impress the coach," said Gordon. "With such a big squad you might not get many starts, so it is important when you get your chance to hit home and put a mark on the board," he told The Scotsman.
"Getting an early chance is a great challenge for me, but also an opportunity," he said. "I certainly hope this is the skeleton of the first Test team," Gordon added after the Lions released a strong squad surprisingly early, six days before the match.
Leeds-bound Gordon is focusing on getting the basics right, and building a solid performance that is important if he is to catch the eye. "For me to impress it is about getting the lineouts and scrums right and then showing up around the park. It is easy for me to bed in if lineouts and scrums go well.
"If your first three or four scrums and lineouts go well it lets you settle down, and look after the other parts of your game, such as supporting the backs in running and taking some of the hits yourself.
"We have been together for almost two weeks now so we are really looking forward to getting on that park together," he added.
As the only Scot in the squad, the need to quickly assimilate into the team pattern is particularly important, but Gordon is satisfied he can overcome that hurdle. "It is difficult when you play with new guys, who you haven't played with before.
"The fact that I am the lone Scot does not bother me. I have rubbed shoulders with the guys before on the 2001 tour, and I am looking forward to renewing some of these partnerships. It is about getting a good steady performance under our belts, and getting the win."
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