Six Nations 2014: Scott Johnson backs Scotland’s Duncan Weir

Scott Johnson revealed Duncan Weir’s new-found attacking threat was among the chief reasons he received the nod at fly-half for their Six Nations opener.

Weir will win his ninth cap against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, having been selected ahead of Glasgow Warriors teammate Ruaridh Jackson.

He’s become an attacking threat and we like that

Scott Johnson

Jackson did not make it onto the bench with fit again full-back Stuart Hogg and replacement Matt Scott providing cover in the playmaker role but Johnson has every faith in Weir’s ability, pointing to the progress he has made of late in the attacking department.

Johnson said: “Dunccy has got an obvious skill-set that enhances our game if we get it right. He’s done well by adding some things to his game. He’s become an attacking threat and we like that.

“It’s an opportunity for him. There’s a big discussion point between him and Jacko but we have gone with Duncan because we think he can add something to our game.

“I view the starting XV and the bench very differently. We had a long discussion over the No.10 position but once we got to the point that we were going to start with Duncan, the bench became its own team, if you like.

“Jacko only plays one position largely and I wanted a little versatility on the bench.

“He’s a competitive kid and he wasn’t jumping through hoops when I told him he wouldn’t be involved.

“But I can only be honest and as I have told the others, coaches don’t pick players, players pick players.

“It’s form that determines whether you’ll be in the side. Ruaridh is still an integral part of our squad, he just needs to work on a couple of things.”

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