Robinson: Lessons learned

Robinson has outlined plans to add an experienced international figure to his coaching set-up and to name a captain who is a first-choice pick, while it is set to be a case of evolution, not revolution in squad selection as he seeks improved results in his third year in charge.

Despite some stellar Test successes, Robinson has two Six Nations wins from 10 games - a record he is eager to enhance when Scotland open the tournament on February 4 against England at Murrayfield.

Asked if he has a minimum expectation for Scotland in the Six Nations, he said: "I do and it's better than that, because that's not acceptable.

"It's important that we get off to a very good start in the England and Wales games, that we're able to win those games.

"That's one of the key focuses for me."

Robinson has won half of his 24 matches in charge of Scotland - a record which could have been so much better had leads not slipped late on in the World Cup losses to Argentina and England.

Robinson, who last week presented his World Cup review to the Scottish Rugby Union board, added: "It was a huge disappointment.

"We're getting this unlucky loser tag having played well, got into winning positions and then lost the game.

"We've got to be able to break that. It's recognising how we can do that."

Scotland's try-scoring record was criticised - of the 20 teams in the tournament, only Georgia and Romania, with three, scored fewer tries than Scotland, while the United States also scored four - but Robinson is to stick by his coaching team for the Six Nations, backing attack coach Gregor Townsend.

"We've been creating opportunities and he's a very good coach," Robinson said of Townsend.

The head coach, though, is exploring the possibility of recruiting another coach, whose role will become apparent if, or more likely when, the appointment is made.

Robinson said: "We want to bring somebody in with international coaching experience, just to make sure we don't stand still.

"I will be looking over the next few months about who we can bring in.

"There are a number of people I've identified and it's about focusing on who would be best in order to move Scotland forward."

While a change in the coaching set-up is set to come, Robinson is also set to modify his approach to the captaincy.

Previously under Robinson the job has been held by scrum-halves Chris Cusiter, Mike Blair, Rory Lawson and second row Alastair Kellock, who was leader in New Zealand.

Kellock's omission from the team which lost to Argentina was criticised in some quarters.

Robinson stands by the tactical decision but now anticipates selecting a first-choice pick as skipper.

Robinson said: "Al's captained the side very, very well and I've been delighted with the way he's operated as a leader.

"But you review everything and it wasn't ideal for me not to select him against Argentina.

"If I select a captain I've got to pick him. I fully realise that.

"The decision will be made around a player that is going to be playing in the team and playing well in the team."

Robinson's admission is set to spark debate and John Barclay would be a leading contender.

Like Richie McCaw and Sam Warburton, the Glasgow Warriors number seven ticks all the boxes - he is a first-choice, he has held the job previously, assuming the role from Blair in the November 2010 loss to New Zealand - and would be an astute choice.

But there are other options in Kelly Brown and Ross Ford, to name two.

Barclay, Brown and Ford are likely to be key men in 2012 and beyond for Scotland as Robinson prepares to integrate up-and-coming talent into Test rugby.

"I think the way we worked with Richie Gray and Ruaridh Jackson are good models of how we're going to be working with our younger players coming in," he added.

Robinson will be avoiding wholesale change, but the likes of Edinburgh back row duo David Denton and Stuart McInally and Glasgow backs Stuart Hogg and Duncan Weir could be drafted in.

As for the forthcoming England match, despite scandal after scandal emanating from Twickenham, Robinson is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "This will be about the players and they'll have a point to prove about what's happened to them post the World Cup - they'll want to deliver a performance."