Darcy Graham backed to rise to the challenge of facing Wales’ George North

Tommy Seymour, left, and Darcy Graham share a handshake during training at Oriam. Picture: SNS/SRU

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has backed Darcy Graham to rise to the challenge of facing one of the giants of world rugby tomorrow when Wales come calling in the Guinness Six Nations.

The 5ft 9in Borderer will earn his third cap and first start in a Scotland jersey and in Lions star George North he will be under no illusions how tough his proper introduction to the big time will be.

Graham made his Scotland debut in the November Test defeat by the Welsh in Cardiff and came off the bench in the 27-10 loss to France in Paris a couple of weeks ago but tomorrow will run out in the dark blue jersey for the first time at the BT Murrayfield home where he plies his trade with Edinburgh.

The 21-year-old from Hawick is enjoying a breakthrough season but now faces the biggest challenge of his fledgling pro career as he faces off with North who, at just 26, has amassed a remarkable 36 tries in 81 caps for Wales and a further three in three for the Lions.

The Welsh are famed for their aerial game and will no doubt view Graham as an obvious target but the youngster has punched above his size in that department this season and Townsend has every faith in the player who steps in following Sean Maitland’s foot injury playing for Saracens at the weekend.

“Darcy has come on in both of his games from the bench, he’s had the opportunity to play Wales away and France away and took that game to the opposition by making breaks in both those games,” said Townsend.

“He’s been in excellent form for his club. He gives you energy,
he gets stuck in defensively.
He may not be as tall as George North but he gets off the ground and wins ball in air.

“He’s gone up against some very big wingers this year and done really well, and he’s a dangerous attacker. We love his attitude, we love his ability, and it’s great he’s getting a chance to start for Scotland.”