IT IS 22 years since I made my debut against France and the memories of that fantastic day still shine bright. The moment you're told that you've been selected to play for your country is very special and that's why I am particularly pleased for Nick De Luca, who makes his Scotland debut today against the same opposition.
Reading this week about De Luca's "dream" of playing for Scotland from an early age rekindles the drive and energy that I had in growing up and kicking a ball around the pitches of George Watson's College in Edinburgh. Interestingly De Luca was a sta
nd-off in much of his early career as I was and although my first Scotland shirt was the No.12 jersey, Nick will wear lucky 13, a jersey that I did not secure until my 13th cap.
I first saw Nick play at Edinburgh Accies and followed his progress at Heriot's. It wasn't long until he cut his teeth in the pro ranks and while at the Borders he really caught the eye. There was cause for concern that he might get caught up in the habit of the Borders' loosing streak but one of the bright lights on numerous occasions was that of the young star in the midfield.
Last year in the Barclays Churchill Cup I was calling for Frank Hadden to include De Luca in his World Cup squad after some really positive performances. Scotland were crying out for someone to break up the midfield and offer an alternative ball-carrying option. Even the experience of being involved in the squad would have benefited the youngster from Dumfries but perhaps this was a blessing in disguise. The Border team's demise led him to Edinburgh last summer but the turmoil did not appear to affect his pre-season preparation.
De Luca shot to prominence when he darted round Yannick Jauzion of Toulouse in the opening game of this season's Heineken Cup to score a superb solo 'one-on-one' try. Since then his confidence has grown. As a player it is a special feeling to play in that environment and the fact that Edinburgh went on to produce some very impressive performances has only helped enhance his wellbeing.
Here is a player who can break down defences with his ability to cut and step opponents; a rare commodity in the modern professional game where the defensive alignments often suffocate the multi phases of possession. Let us not forget that as well as facing one of France's best centres De Luca has also faced Ireland's finest in Brian O'Driscoll and not once did he let the Irishman overshadow him. This shows that he is more than ready to take the biggest step of all and play for his country.
There is something all-consuming about Test match rugby and when I look back at my debut all these years ago I was up against Philippe Sella who was already nearing the half way mark on his way to accumulating 111 Test caps! My baptism included a backline of Patrice Lagisquet, Pierre Berbizier and the great Serge Blanco.
Two minutes in and John Rutherford called to me, "Right, your turn, put a high kick on Blanco and let the forwards give him a good rucking!" I absolutely nailed the kick and the forwards enjoyed the follow up! Suddenly my international career took off. The experience of Rutherford on my inside coupled with my centre partner David Johnston on the outside ensured that I was well marshalled through the game and as we edged to victory that day by 18-17, my confidence grew with every play of the game.
Just as John Rutherford guided me through the initial stages of my debut game, so Dan Parks must bring De Luca into the fold early on to give him the confidence. Nick is not the biggest centre three-quarter in the world standing at 5'10" and 14stone 7lbs but he packs a low centre of gravity into his frame.
The fact that Andy Henderson will be inside Nick will also buy a little bit more time in the defensive alignment but it is in attack that he can profit from the Henderson's half break and off load although expect little change from Damien Traille or David Marty, their opposite numbers today. Nick's defence is good and it is an area that he has worked on with Andy Robinson.
Nothing prepares you for the speed of the game, the physicality, the adrenaline, the noise, the pure emotion, that intensity, that smell! All these factors are what drive you to be the best and I hope that Nick really enjoys this afternoon. There is a time to revel in the pleasure but that comes afterwards as he will have to keep his focus on the pace of the game.
It is special moment winning your first cap but it is so much sweeter if it comes with a win.
• Scott Hastings is Rugby Operations Director of the Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival, Edinburgh. Visit
www.goldenoldiessports.com