France full-back Thomas Ramos is looking to make the most of his opportunity this weekend, as he looks set for a first international start for over a year when France travel to Edinburgh to face Scotland.
The Toulouse man seems primed to step into the fold after the news that Anthony Bouthier will be sidelined for up to six weeks with a knee injury suffered in training last week.
If selected, it will mark the first time that Ramos has been named in a French starting XV since the arrival of head coach Fabien Galthie after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
And after having to make do with a number of cameo appearances from the bench during the recent Guinness Six Nations campaign, the full-back is eager to make his mark from the off
“If I get the chance to start, I want to show that I too can play big international matches,” the 24-year-old said.
“Since the arrival of the new coaching staff I’ve not had a lot of game time. But it’s the squad that is the strength of this team. I’ve been a replacement a lot and come on a few times. If I get a chance, it’s up to me to take it.”
Ramos and his teammates will travel to BT Murrayfield on Sunday looking to get their Autumn Nations Cup campaign underway, after the postponement of last weekend’s Round 1 clash with Fiji.
And after being awarded that match 28-0, the two sides sit locked on five points apiece at the top of Group B, with Scotland defeating Italy 28-17 in Florence last weekend.
The victory for Gregor Townsend’s side was their fifth in a row in all competitions, and a run that includes a victory by the same scoreline over Sunday’s visitors back in March.
In a match that France looked to be dominating, a red card for Mohamed Haouas turned the game on its head, as Sean Maitland’s brace ensured a Scottish victory.
And despite only being on the pitch for nine minutes that day, Ramos knows as well as anyone how much defeat hurt and is looking to make amends come 3pm on Sunday.
“We all remember that match, how it went,” he said, “This will be a different context and a different competition. We will think about it when we prepare, but under no circumstances are we preparing for the same scenario or expecting the same game.
“It’s always frustrating to lose. Scotland are difficult to play, they have good players, in the pack and the backline.
“They are getting better every year. They are able to shut down their opponents. They have had a number of good results and have just beaten Wales. They are tough to play and tough to beat.
“We know that it will be a big game so it’s up to us to be ready because they are full of confidence.
