Jonny Gray still thinks it’s “surreal” he’s in the same field as his heroes, but the 20-year-old is relishing the opportunity to get himself noticed.
It’s really only a matter of months since Jonny was admiring and idolising the likes of France and Toulouse captain Thierry Dusatoir, but now he’s locking horns with them on the pitch.
Gray’s performances for Scotland beside his brother Richie in the Autumn Tests have added to his growing reputation throughout Europe, but he’s still keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground as Glasgow continue their doubleheader with giants Toulouse in the European Champions’ Cup at Scotstoun on Saturday.
The Warriors lost Sunday’s first leg in the south of France against the four-time European champions 19-11 agonisingly just a point away from securing a bonus that might be crucial in terms of qualification – and they need to turn the tables in the second leg in front of a sell-out home crowd.
Jonny’s got accustomed to baptisms of fire his European debut at 19 was last year away to champions Toulon, in direction opposition to World Cup winner Bakkies Botha – but he’s reacted as just as he’s done to every challenge.
He played all 80 minutes of that match against Toulon and again against Toulouse, and his authority on the pitch despite being the youngest player in the squad means that he’s fast becoming a talisman for the Warriors.
“I don’t know about that, I just look on it as an enormous privilege to have got these chances,” he said. “I’m so lucky to be here and have such tremendous mentors like Al Kellock and the coaches here to help and advise me.
“We were disappointed not to get the result on Sunday, but it was a great experience to play in Toulouse.
“It’s an incredible stadium and playing against some of those players, the guys I looked up to, it was pretty surreal to be on the same pitch as Dusatoir, Harinordoquy and players like that. They are a top-class side and we learned a lot from that game.
“We have been working hard in training. There are a lot of things to work on but there are positives for Sunday and we have taken into the game on Saturday.”
The lack of discipline the two yellow cards against Glasgow proved crucial is something that has been worked on, as well as aspects of their defence.
“But the positives were how much we dug in,” he continued. “Toulouse are a strong, attacking team and they have big threats. We know how clinical Toulouse are and that they will take chances that are given to them.
“We have looked at all aspects of the game, including how good Toulouse are and how well they defend. They have world-class players so we know how tough it is going to be, we need to get preparation right this week and hopefully we will get the result.”
Although Toulouse have won both their previous European matches in Glasgow, those were at Firhill and this is a very different Warriors team in a different location.
“The team is very positive, we go into every game believing we can get the win,” he continued. “We’ve looked at it in detail and we have been working hard this week.
“I would say it’s the biggest club game I’ve ever played. When you look at all the pools in the competition this year, they are all really tight so every game and every point is going to be crucial.
“But we’re at home this week, in front of a big crowd. The fans make a big difference, they are really passionate, very vocal, and it gives us a real buzz running out there.”
Glasgow may be forced into one change for the return match with Chris Fusaro struggling with an ankle injury, but Euan Murray may come back into the reckoning after injury.