A wooden spoon clash with Italy awaits Robinson this weekend, as Scotland look to avoid extending their winless sequence to seven, stretching back to the World Cup in New Zealand.

And Nicol is convinced Robinson is the right man to lead Scotland whatever happens against the Azzurri in the penultimate weekend of the RBS 6 Nations.

"I still think he's absolutely the right guy to lead Scotland for the next few years," Nicol said.

"Scotland is a better side than they were two years ago, although the defeat to Ireland on Saturday was a real step back, I'm afraid.

"New players have come in and look comfortable but it's a results-driven business and Andy knows that.

"Andy said at the start of the Championship: 'judge me on results' and it's not gone for him. We're playing against very good sides.

“If we get into a rugby arm wrestle, I think Italy will win.

"The Six Nations is a brutal environment for Scotland and Italy. If you don't bring your ‘A’ game, then it's a struggle.

"And now winning is all important against Italy."