Chris Cusiter plans to lead Scotland by example when he puts on the captain’s armband to take on Fiji at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Cusiter’s leading role was evident on Wednesday as he laid a wreath on behalf of the Scotland team at the Murrayfield War Memorial with co-captain Mike Blair looking on.
Cusiter is the first to captain Scotland in a Test match following this decision and is determined to grab the opportunity and give the Murrayfield crowd a good result.
“You take your opportunities when you get them,” Cusiter said. “Mike’s had a few recently, I have one on Saturday.
“It’s about performance and ultimately we both want Scotland to win.” He added later: “I want to lead by example – I’m planning on playing a good game myself on Saturday.”
Blair has enjoyed the captaincy for Scotland for the last year and a half, however Cusiter insists the pair are good friends and have a healthy rivalry.
“We get on well, we always have, there is that element of rivalry as you would expect – we both play the same position and both want to play number nine for Scotland but we have a friendly and healthy rivalry and I think it has been good for both of us.”
Cusiter is confident he can retain his position for the squad: “If you play well and win the games then selection looks after itself.”
Andy Robinson has made 10 changes since the side last played at Murrayfield for what will his first game in charge of the full Scotland team.
