Scotland coach Andy Robinson has leapt to the defence of his newly-announced dual captaincy system – insisting innovation is the key to national team success.

Former England coach Robinson’s announcement that Mike Blair and Chris Cusiter are to share the captaincy for the autumn Tests raised some eyebrows this week.

Robinson’s decision means that the duo will battle for the solitary scrum half position as well as the captaincy.

And Robinson insists the decision can only benefit his side.

“We have to look at innovation, at new ideas,” said Robinson. “Who says just having one captain is the only way to do it? We have two world-class players in Mike (Blair] and Chris (Cusiter]. Superb rugby players and good men.

“We're trying to get the best out of both by making them joint captains. Over the last six years, either Chris has been selected and Mike has been down there, as it was when Matt Williams was coach, or Mike has been selected and Chris has been down there, as it was when Frank was coach.

“It's human nature for the guy who's not in favour to have his performances drop off. Leadership is a big area for me.

“We need to develop more leaders. We've got two good ones in the No.9 jersey, two guys that any team in the world would crave."