Captain of a vastly improving side

making sure I am training well and playing well.

“I don’t think I need to change anything massively, it’s more about making sure I am in the team and when I’m in the team I am playing well and try to set standards around the place by working hard and doing everything I can to be the best I can be. It’s a big honour and I’m happy to do it.”

McInally feels progressing through difficult times has helped him calm down.

“I try not to get too high or too low,” he said. “Having been in some dark places with Edinburgh and personally as well, it’s good now to be in a place where I can be relaxed doing it.

“I know exactly what is expected and needed from me as a captain and there is no added pressure apart from doing everything I can to play as best I can.

“Understanding why you can’t control the outcomes of certain things is a big part of why I am more relaxed, I just do everything I can to get myself in the best position for Friday night and then whatever happens, happens.”

Cockerill claimed his decision had been “dead easy”.

“He is born and bred in the city, schooled in the city, it’s his club and it makes sense,” the Edinburgh head coach said. “He knows the highs and lows of the game, he has changed position. Two years ago he was captain with Gilchrist, Gilchrist was injured and Stuart wasn’t good enough to get a game. He deserves to be captain because he’s a world-class player and he has proved that over the past 12 months.”

Stuart McInally in action for Scotland