Hogg named vice-captain

against Fiji in the first of three November Tests at BT Murrayfield this afternoon.

“It something I try to pride myself on,” said Laidlaw after the captain’s run at the stadium yesterday.

“I think it’s one of my strengths being a good leader.

“Whether I’m named captain or not I still believe I can do a job for the team and show direction. It’s important that I do that whether I’m named captain or not.”

Laidlaw is one of a number of big-hitters restored to the team today after last weekend’s 21-10 loss to Wales in Cardiff, which came outside the Test release window.

He will resume his half-back partnership with Racing 92 stand-off Finn Russell and has full-back Stuart Hogg as a vicecaptain after the Hawick man’s faster-than-expected recovery from ankle surgery.

“That’s something Hoggy’s matured into, and he captained the team during the summer,” added Laidlaw. “His development has been brilliant.”