The competition between Mike Blair and Chris Cusiter for the No.9 shirt has been further increased by Scotland coach Andy Robinson’s announcement that both men will hsare the captaincy.

Previously Blair had been Scotland’s outright skipper which more or less guaranteed him a starting berth ahead of Glasgow rival Cuister.

But now Robinson has thrown the door wide open in the race to start against Fiji on November 14 and insists there will be no favourtism.

He said: “Leadership is not about one person, it is about developing a number of leaders.

“This year, we're going to have two captains: Mike Blair and Chris Cusiter – two world-class players, two world-class people.

“Whichever one is selected will lead the team. But, off the pitch, the two will lead the team together.”