Escande was part of the French Under-20’s team which finished second in the RBS 6 Nations on points difference, alongside teammate and half-back partner Ilian Perraux.

However this weekend he will team up with Francois Trinh-Duc, who played in every game of the RBS 6 Nations for France, as Montpellier aim to repeat last year’s appearance in the Top 14 final.

Escande said: “It’s a present, it’s more pleasure than anything. It’s a crucial match for the club and the team and will be a good experience for me.

“There is of course pressure, but I will try to focus it to avoid stressing too much and to play well. The more the week goes on, the more the pressure increases.

“The first game I played for Montpellier, I didn’t have a rapport with the others so there was more pressure. Now I have more experience, I’m beginning to understand the playing system and feel part of the squad. It’s different compared to my first game in the Top 14.

“I’m young, but others have done it. Jean-Marc Doussain played in the finals last year and was French champion, so I think to myself if he is capable of doing that, there’s no reason why I can’t play well in the play-off.”