Blair was first choice at the World Cup, where Scotland were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Argentina, but Cusiter will be seeking to put pressure on the Edinburgh man in the coming weeks.

Scotland will launch their campaign against France on February 3 at Murrayfield, with the new French coach Marc Lievremont announcing a revamped squad, including six uncapped players, for the trip to Edinburgh.

Cusiter observed that the core of Scotland's squad remains intact from last season – but he believes Frank Hadden's squad have a point to make.

"We've largely got the same group of players, the same coaches," he said.

"We put a lot of work in over the summer, particularly leading up to the World Cup, and overall felt that we were disappointed and frustrated with the way that ended in the quarter-finals.

"I think everyone is keen to put that right in the Six Nations and prove that we have moved forward as a team, that we are going in the right direction and that comes with winning games and getting results and that's obviously the aim for this season."

Scotland coach Hadden and captain Jason White will officially launch the RBS 6 Nations alongside their counterparts from France, England, Wales, Italy and Ireland at a pre-tournament press conference in London on Wednesday.

Lievremont's plans for France's campaign will come under close scrutiny, but Cusiter expects Les Bleus to be as strong as ever.

Scotland clinched an opening victory over the French in Edinburgh in the 2006 RBS 6 Nations, so have no reason to be awestruck by the World Cup semi-finalists, who failed to take full advantage of playing at home in the autumn.

"I don't think they're going to change everything they did in the World Cup," Cusiter said.

"A lot of the players are the same, they have got new coaches so there is that bit of unknown, but they're a good team. We'll prepare accordingly, look at the videos and look at the team, but France at home, it's a huge game always.

"Two years ago we played well and managed to beat them so obviously we'll be looking to repeat that."

Cusiter might briefly become an unpopular figure in France if he plays a part in a Scotland victory on Saturday week, however the 25-year-old has so far relished his experience across the Channel.

"It's been challenging, obviously the language and trying to fit into a new team, but I've really enjoyed it," Cusiter said. "Yes, it's been a good challenge and I feel like I'm improving over there."