As first Six Nations starts go, being pitched in against a rampant French side looking to win the title under the lights at Stade de France is about as daunting as they come.
And that is exactly the situation Scotland lock Gregor Brown will find himself in come Saturday night in Paris.
Many have felt that the Scottish second row – featuring two outstanding Test servants in the shape of Grant Gilchrist and Jonny Gray – has lacked a little dynamism in this championship, and perhaps that explains why Gregor Townsend has turned to the 23-year-old Glasgow Warrior to add some youthful energy.
“He’s just turned into a real top quality, sort of nuts-and-bolts number four,” said Fraser Brown, BBC pundit and a former team-mate at Glasgow.
“He’s maybe a little bit on the short side for a second row, but what he lacks a little bit in height, he certainly doesn’t lack in effort.
“Defensively, he works really hard. He works like a back-rower in the second row. Good lineout option, quick off the floor.
“He’s very physical, abrasive, aggressive. He carries hard, he’ll make gain-line every single time.
“His carry height is really good. Ball presentation is very good. You get quick ball off of him.”
