FORMER Taunton Titans forward Sam Skinner made a dream start to his international career on Saturday, being awarded man of the match in Scotland's convincing win over Fiji at Murrayfield.

Skinner, 23, started in the second row before moving to the back row later in the match as Scotland ran in eight tries to win 54-17.

The forward, who plays his club rugby for Exeter Chiefs after a season at Taunton in 2013/14, qualifies for Gregor Townsend's side through his father, Peter.

Having come through the ranks at Topsham RFC, near Exeter, Skinner later represented the Scottish Exiles at youth level while also playing for England Under-20s.

Speaking afterwards, Skinner told the BBC: "I've grown up supporting Scotland and England, which is very rare, I suppose.

"So it was a tough decision [to represent Scotland] but it also wasn't at all. I want to make my family proud. I'm honoured to play for Scotland.

"My dad grew up supporting Scotland. Being in the living room, watching my dad watch Scotland, walking in and out, stressing about the game.

"He's probably going to have an early night - the anxiety has probably crippled him. He honestly gets more nervous than I do for games; he doesn't say a word to people before.

"I didn't know what to expect - a little posh boy from England walking into the Scotland camp, but they've been awesome, really friendly.

"I love the way Scotland play. I think it suits my game. I really like the way Gregor's trying to implement a fast, high-tempo, almost champagne style of rugby.

"They play a similar style to Exeter and that excites me. When a team shows interest in you, that you're the sort of player they want, then you've got to take that opportunity."

Another former Titan, prop Ben Moon, made his first start for England as they were narrowly beaten at home by New Zealand.

Moon played the first 57 minutes at Twickenham as the hosts raced into a 15-0 lead before being pegged back by the All Blacks, who ran out 16-15 winners after a late Sam Underhill try was controversially ruled out.