Chris Cusiter Scotland scrum-half

Chris Cusiter will be playing at scrum-half for Scotland's opening RBS Six Nations game against England.

He took time out from preparations for the match to answer some of your many e-mails.

How hard do you think it is to really get back into the game after an extended injury?
Tyam Kroon, Switzerland

The recovery process follows a well planned route, which aims to get you back on the pitch as fit and strong as you were before the injury. The rehab is monotonous and sometimes taxing, however the fitness work which accompanies it is always a killer! I'm sure most pro rugby players would agree that it's the worst part. After that it's a matter of getting back onto the pitch and getting up to speed as quickly as possible.

Do you think that the good fortune for England having so many fit players and a new coach, might make them a force to reckon with this year?
Alex Jeffery, Wallingford

Is this question not for Josh Lewsey?! England are always a force to be reckoned with. They have a huge amount of talent and it would be foolish to write them off at any time.

In Scotland training does Mike Blair ever get a shot of stand off with you at number 9? Do any of the players think it would be a good idea for when you are both fit?
Alistair, London

To be honest, no, we've never run at 9 and 10 at training. The only time I have heard it suggested has been by the media or ex-players. I think we are both specialist 9's and will have to battle it out with each other and the rest.

First of all well done, I think your a really exciting player, but being Welsh, I say Peel is fanstatic! What do you think makes a perfect scrum-half?
Harry Withers, Tonbridge

Thanks Harry. I think the perfect scrum-half has: a quick service, a good kicking game, excellent cover defence, great communication skills, great vision, superb all round fitness, but most of all the desire to play a game where most other players are a lot bigger than them!

Where would you play Chris Paterson if you were the Frank Hadden and who was your rugby hero when you were a lad (mine was Andy Irvine)?
Lee Hodges, Surrey

That's tough for me to answer... Chris is a top-class winger and full-back, and also dabbles a bit at stand-off... I'm afraid I'm going to give the cop-out answer and say I don't really care as long as he is in the team somwhere! My rugby hero was probably Gav Hastings.

With Mike Blair's current injury, is it a weight off your shoulders to have your main rival for the number nine shirt out of contention and will it allow you to play freely with fewer outside matters to worry about?
Tim Webb, Northampton

I've never been one for sitting back and relaxing whenever I get selected. I know that the pressure is always on, if not from Mike Blair, then from Rory Lawson, or Sam Pinder or anyone else. I try to do my best every time I play, and I think the pressure gets the best out of me.

Chris, does it mean more beating England for the Calcutta Cup or do you enjoy every victory as much?
Tom Marsh, Birmingham

Tom, I have always found that the most enjoyable victories are the ones that are the hardest fought. Beating England was special because it was a highly competitive and tough game, but so was beating France and Italy (My ten minutes did me in for 5 months!).

Chris, first of all, best of luck for the campaign. I'm sure you'll help Scotland build on last year's success and do us proud. However, I wanted to know which rival scrum-half do you relish competing with the most during the tournament, and why?
James Mcilkenny, Glasgow

Thanks James. I know Dwayne Peel and Gareth Cooper a little bit from playing against them in the Magners League and from the Lions and I have always enjoyed playing against them. They are both top lads and great players. I enjoy the age-old rugby tradition of going and having a drink with your opposite man after the match.

If you would like to ask Chris a question during the course of the Six Nations, fill in the form at the top right of this page.