Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair aims to hold on to the jersey for the duration of the Six Nations Championship at the expense of Chris Cusiter. Blair was named in coach Frank Hadden's team to play France on Sunday, though Hadden has said that Cusiter will be given a chance at some stage.
Nonetheless, Blair is keen to establish himself as Hadden's first choice.
"Fortunately for me, I will get the opportunity first and hopefully I can take my chance," said Blair.
"It is a great vote of confidence. I have worked with Frank before and felt it was a 50-50 call over who he would play at scrum-half.
"You cannot afford to think about pressure, because, if you worry about things, then you make the mistakes. It's up to me to play my natural game.
"If everybody in the team plays well, it would be hard to drop players in the team."
Cusiter, for his part, plans to make the most of any opportunity he gets to impress.
"I'm obviously disappointed to miss out because I want to be the starting scrum-half," he said.
"Mike has been playing well and got the nod this time. It's disappointing, but I still feel I have a part to play in this championship and hope to get the chance to prove that at some point.
"There's no ill-feeling or anything like that because we know the competition in the squad and the game we are playing here.
"Frank explained to me I would play at some point, so it is good to know I am still in his plans. I'm in no doubt I will get a chance at some point."
MMIX
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