The 24-year-old qualifies for selection because of his Glaswegian grandparents – who emigrated Down Under in the 1960s – leading to Scotland’s interim head coach Scott Johnson naming him in the starting XV for the Calcutta Cup clash at Twickenham.

And Maitland, the only uncapped player in Johnson’s squad, admits it is a dream come true to get the opportunity to represent the country of his ancestors.

“I’m very proud to be given the opportunity to start by Johnno – it’s very special and I’m very proud,” he said.

“My parents are happy for me too. They are very proud and talking to my dad, he’s a man of little emotion, but he definitely showed a lot of emotion when I told him the news.

“When I was growing up he never let me forget where I was from. He would always say, ‘you’re half Scottish, son, don’t you forget that’.

“I have fond memories of being woken up to watch Scotland play in the old Five Nations at some ridiculous hour in the morning and I never imagined that all these years later I would be about to pull on that jersey.

“When I came over, international rugby was on my radar. My dad said I had the opportunity to play for Scotland, I’m half Scottish and it’s in my blood, so I was very lucky.

“The squad is full of depth and competition; you’ve got to keep on your toes. It’s healthy for Scotland and Scotland rugby. I’ve got to go on through the week with confidence and hopefully I will perform well.”