Buckley has collected 19 caps so far but at 30 he is far from being a rookie however Kidney believes he will take to the clash against the world champions like a duck to water.

“Now it's Tony’s opportunity and that is because of the progress he has made in his career,” said Kidney. “He’s now played against Australia and New Zealand and will face South Africa.

“Every player wants to pit themselves against the best and hopefully Tony will take his opportunity again. All players need a run of games and none more so than props.

“Tony got a string of games at the Churchill Cup in 2008 and 2009 and for a big man motoring around a pitch that was exactly what he needed – he was getting better and better with each game.

“He got more game time last year and finished strongly last season. You could call him a late bloomer but John hasn’t exactly made it easy for him."