A day to remember for new boy Sam
Sam Skinner had a Dark Blue debut to remember,
The towering Exeter lock was named man of the match after playing the full 80 minutes of the eight-try win over Fiji, the last 20 of those at blindside flanker as he demonstrated his versatility.
Coach Gregor Townsend pronounced himself delighted with his new discovery’s contribution, in both the tight and the loose, and Skinner shouldn’t have any worries about being left as a one-cap wonder.
Asked if yesterday was the best day of his career, the 23-year-old replied: “The best day of my life. And the best day of my family’s life.
“It was a fantastic performance from the boys as a whole. I just feel privileged to be part of the whole thing, really.
“During the anthems it was a real emotional experience, I won’t lie to you, and it’s tough to control your nerves and your emotions, just try to keep a lid on things.
“But once you’re into the game it’s just like any game of rugby, you play what’s in front of you and take it moment by moment.”
Skinner, who played Under-20 rugby for England, qualifies through his Scottish father and says: “I grew up supporting Scotland and England, which is quite rare, I suppose!
“It was a tough decision, but it also wasn’t at all. I want to make my family proud and I’m very honoured to play for Scotland and today was just an incredible experience.”
Townsend admitted he’d been surprised to see his big second row kick the ball behind the Fijian defence in the second half and Skinner admitted: “Let’s be brutally honest, it was an average kick and it turned out OK.
“I’ve put a few kicks in in the past, but I’ve got to stop doing it!”