Freddy Douglas is poised to become Scotland's youngest player in over 60 years — and the teenager's fearless attitude is tailor-made for Test rugby.That's the view according to Stafford McDowall, who will captain Scotland when they take on Portugal at Murrayfield this weekend.
A 19-year-old back-rower with Edinburgh who has yet to play a senior game at professional level, Douglas will start the match on the bench.
He will make history as and when he comes on, becoming the youngest player to feature for the national side since Donald White in 1963.
Earlier this week, Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel claimed that Douglas is ‘already world-class', despite the fact he has never played a game at senior level.
Douglas has earned his reputation playing for Scotland Under-20s and Edinburgh's A team, but will now be handed an opportunity to step up.
Freddy Douglas caught the eye in the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy earlier this year
With the teenager ready to be thrust into action against Portugal, McDowall insists the squad have been blown away by Douglas in training.
‘Although he's not played for Edinburgh yet, we all saw how good Freddy was for the Under-20s and Kontol how good he's been in training with us as well,' said Glasgow centre McDowall.
‘He's been unbelievable on the physical side as well, standing up to people he's not trained with and played with before and imposing himself. We're all really excited to see him come on.
‘He doesn't back down from anybody. We've seen him a few times during the week. He's had a couple of big shots in touch sessions and stuff like that.
‘It's a big opportunity for these guys. The communication to them has been to just go and do what you do with Edinburgh and Glasgow and enjoy it.'
Scotland will be red-hot favourites to beat a Portugal side who sit 15th in the world rankings and whose team is made up largely of part-time and amateur players.
Gregor Townsend has made 14 changes to the team which lost against South Africa, whilst Portugal lost to the USA last weekend.
Nonetheless, McDowall has warned against any sense of complacency and expects Portugal, who beat Fiji in last year's World Cup, to represent a stiff challenge.
Douglas has already shown in Scotland training that he is capable of making the step-up
Scotland captain Stafford McDowall says Douglas does not back down from anybody
‘We're probably going to see the World Cup Portugal team,' he said. ‘I know they may have been a bit disappointed with the result last week.
‘But we're fully expecting a team that beat Fiji and pushed all the other teams in their World Cup group so close to rock up here.
‘Obviously, it's a big occasion for a lot of us, but it's a big occasion for them as well, getting to play here.
‘So, we're expecting a really tough test. A team that throws the ball around a lot with a lot of confidence is good defensively as well.
‘We're under no illusion on how tough this is going to be. It's a big opportunity for a lot of the guys coming in with some debuts as well. We are ready to let rip.
‘In terms of being captain, the closer we get to the game, the more it will probably hit me and I'll get a bit more nervous.
‘It's something that I never thought I would get a chance to do: lead a Scotland team out at Murrayfield. So I'll try to embrace and enjoy the moment.'
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