Rugby: Telfer takes issue with Robinson's strategy

Published on Thursday 12 November 2009 08:35

NEW Scotland coach Andy Robinson was today charged with having ulterior motives for naming joint captains ahead of Saturday's opening Autumn Test against Fiji at Murrayfield, writes BILL LOTHIAN.

That's the view of predecessor Jim Telfer who says the former Edinburgh mentor "just wanted to drop Mike Blair gently but still keep him in the loop."

Telfer also said in his STV rugby blog: "I'm sure he has known for a few weeks that Chris Cusiter was going to be his first pick. Cusiter has been outstanding for Glasgow whilst Blair has struggled to keep his place for Edinburgh."

According to Telfer the joint captaincy ploy is not unique.

"It's not completely revolutionary as Australia have done it with George Gregan, George Smith and Stirling Mortlock fulfilling joint roles on tours abroad."

Meanwhile, injury-hit Fiji have called up former Heriot's flanker Apo Satala (Army) for Netani Talei, today's Fiji Times reported.