And there is no better platform to turn it on for the Scotland coach than against arguably the best back division in European rugby.

Thom - five points away for 100 for Glasgow - is fighting it out for a wing berth with Simon Webster, Simon Danielli, Chris Paterson and Sean Lamont, with Rory Lamont and Nikki Walker ruled out through injury.

Meanwhile Max, who made his Test debut against Canada at Pittodrie in November, faces stiff competition for a place among the centres with Edinburgh pair Ben Cairns and Nick de Luca certain to be in the squad and his Glasgow team-mate Graeme Morrison likely to join them.

In other areas of the Glasgow team Scotland hooker Dougie Hall comes in for fellow international Fergus Thomson and Dan Parks starts at stand-off as a late replacement for the injured Ruaridh Jackson, who has failed to shake off a thigh injury.