Scotland head coach Scott Johnson has reassured Ruaridh Jackson that he has not surrendered the number 10 jersey for today’s Test with Australia as a result of his South African nightmare last week.
Jackson was responsible for two of the four tries conceded in the 28-0 drubbing dished out by the Springboks last Sunday.
Duncan Weir will take over from his Glasgow team-mate at stand-off as the Dark Blues complete their autumn international series with the Wallabies meeting at Murrayfield.
But Johnson insists Jackson was never down to start against Ewen McKenzie’s side.
The coach said: “This choice isn’t a reflection of Ruaridh’s performance last week. Duncan was always down for this game.
“We thought it was appropriate that Duncan was given the time to show what he can do. We want competition at number 10 and they both have different skill sets.
“Yes Ruaridh was disappointed with some aspects of his game against the Springboks but it is easy to go to the obvious things.
“He did some really brave things in that game and impressed me during the summer tour. He was superb.
“You can’t put in what God left out but he has plenty of heart. He is far braver than you would think looking at him.
“Duncan has that too but his inclusion for Saturday isn’t down to what Ruaridh did. It was always in the plan.”
Weir made his Dark Blues debut in last year’s six nations match with France but made just one further appearance for the national side in 2012 against Fiji.
However, he was recalled midway through this year’s championships and replaced Jackson for the final 20 minutes of the Scots’ surprise home victory over Ireland.
The reward for his determined display was starts against Wales and Les Bleus and Johnson says he has high hopes for the 22-year-old’s future.
He said: “I remember when I first saw him, I thought: ‘Who is this little fat kid playing at number 10?’
“Now I look at him physically and he has changed enormously. He has done really well and despite his looks he is a very good athlete.
“That helps his game and he has added an ability to attack.
“I remember during the six nations he looked more and more of a threat with every game.
“I like 10s that are threats and he is looking more and more like that. When I first saw him he was static but there is definite development there.
“I have told all the boys that just because they live in Scotland, you can’t be as good at rugby as folk are elsewhere.
“We can be as good as anyone else, you just need to believe it – so that applies to Duncan.
“How far Duncan can go is only determined by Duncan Weir himself.”