Robinson backs Warriors duo

Andy Robinson has backed Dan Parks and Ruaridh Jackson to make a big impact after naming them in his Scotland squad for the opening two games of the RBS 6 Nations.

Glasgow pair Parks and Jackson did not feature during the autumn internationals and their call-ups for next month's games against France and Wales immediately trebled their country's pool of specialist fly-halves. The uncapped Jackson, 21, has only recently recovered from a serious shoulder injury and Robinson revealed he would have been in the squad for the November Tests had he been fit.

"Ruaridh would have been in the squad in the autumn had he not got injured in that first match of the season," said Robinson. "Dan's consistency of performance, I've been really pleased about."

Parks' omission from Robinson's first matches in charge was more controversial.

But the national team boss was unable to ignore the form which has propelled Glasgow to the top of the Magners League and has seen the 31-year-old become the competition's record points scorer.

He added: "He's been driving the Glasgow team, the Glasgow team's been playing well, and he's been a key reason for that.

"He'll be an asset to us in terms of the first two games."

The pair will put pressure on Phil Godman, who had been guaranteed his place in the side during the autumn.

"Competition for places all the way through is what's important for us and it's what drives and improves performance," Robinson said. "We've got to improve our standards.

"Competition for places challenges that and puts players under pressure to get into the team. That's what we want right across the board."