“Apparently I'm abrasive and combative,” Matt Mustchin says, looking nothing of the sort as he relaxes in the Scotland team hotel in Buenos Aires in regulation-issue Kiwi baggy shorts and sandals. “I do work hard off the ball, not for myself but for the team. That's the role I have with Edinburgh and I guess it will be the same for Scotland.”

Mustchin may be the most recent New Zealander to don the kilt of Scotland but by qualifying on residential grounds rather than through a remote family history, he has at least proved his commitment to the game north of the Border and his enjoyment at life in Edinburgh is obvious. Since his arrival in the capital he has been virtually ever-present in the side, whether replacing Todd Blackadder at flanker or moving up to replace Nathan Hines at lock.

Yet for all that, it was not until a month ago that he realised that with three years' residency under his belt, he could now represent the country where he lives instead of the country where he was born, and after checking that it was alright with his family, he leapt at the chance.

But that does produce his only real regret. The whole switch from Kiwi import to Scotland international has happened so fast that his family back in New Zealand have not had the chance to travel out to see these games in Argentina, and he does not hide what a big blow that is, particularly with the games not being shown on television.

“They are over the moon,” Mustchin said. “If they could have been here they would have been, but sadly they just can't. It is a real shame, but they are very, very proud, as are all the wider family are back in New Zealand - it is not just the immediate family but all the aunts and uncles and the rest as well.

“It's a tough one, my family are really important to me. I'll just have to get a DVD and send it off to them. I'm sure that whatever happens, they will be proud.”

Mustchin's father, Brian, and grandfather, George, have been the main rugby influences in his life. They are both former Canterbury players in New Zealand, as was Matt before he headed for Europe, where he spent some time in Belfast before finding his spiritual home in Edinburgh.

“It was an honour to be asked [to join Scotland] and a huge honour to be told I am going to play. I'm really looking forward to it,” Mustchin said. “The last three years I have given a good account of myself with Edinburgh and nothing has changed, I aim to give a good account of myself with Scotland. I will really enjoy it. It is really important that I do everything I can to help the guys get a win.

“I will be nervous, there are no doubts about that, but I am looking forward to it - 45,000 Argentinians going mad, it will be great. As a rugby player that is what you strive for, playing in those pressure environments. Argentina are not ranked third in the world by luck, they are playing good rugby, it is a great place to get your first cap.”