NICK Duncombe defied the medics to become England's youngest post-war scrum half two years after fearing he might never walk again.

The former Royal Grammar School pupil made his international debut coming on as a half time substitute as England mauled Scotland 29-3 at Murrayfield.

Duncombe's debut came less than two years after he broke his neck while captaining England schoolboys against Wales.

He had to endure a painful 10mph ambulance journey to hospital where doctors diagnosed he had broken a bone in his neck.

There were fears he would never walk again let alone play rugby, but Duncombe got himself fit, following an extensive rehabilitation programme.

He played four matches for his Harlequins team and then got an amazing call-up from England coach Clive Woodward.

Duncombe came on when England were already 12-3 up but he drew admiration from the critics for his calm handling of the game.

He kept it simple, spinninng out passes to his backs, as England added 17 points without reply in the second half to record their best result at Scotland's ground.

Afterwards, Duncombe, who replaced the injured Kyran Bracken, said he enjoyed the game.

He said: "It's hard to believe when you think what's happened to me. I wasn't able to watch the last time England came here because I was in a critical condition.

"I knew it was serious because they told me I would never play again. Luckily that turned out not to be the case."

Duncombe said he was not fazed by the call-up.

He said: "I slept well on Friday night. I didn't really think of the match, to be honest.

"I used to get nerves when I was playing for England schoolboys but not this season. I don't know why."

Duncombe is now hoping to remain in Woodward's squad for the next Six Nations game against Ireland at Twickenham on February 16.