But the Australian born fly-half – who earned his 50th cap on Saturday - insists he was shocked to receive such a positive reception from the crowd.

He said: "After the last time any reception would have been good. But it was a great reception and I was very delighted I received that. I felt very proud.

"It was a great moment coming out on my own. Chris Cusiter asked me if I wanted to do it and I thought if I didn't I'd probably always regret it.

"I really enjoyed it. It was a nice moment. There were lots of nerves going through the body for the last couple of days but it was very pleasing to get my 50th cap and, in the end, to be in part of a team that didn't lose."

And Parks knows that Scotland may have a sterner test to come in their final Six Nations match against Ireland at Croke Park.

“I'm looking forward to next week but it will be a step up again,” he added.

"Jonny Sexton is obviously going very well.

"He is a young guy who has been going well and putting a lot of pressure on Ronan O'Gara who has been there for so long. Whoever comes out for them will do a sterling job."