British Lions flanker Rob Wainwright has lost the captaincy of Scotland's rugby union side to Newcastle's Gary Armstrong for the Five Nations opener against Ireland.

Wainwright was criticised by his team manager for a "lack of leadership" in Scotland's recent defeat in Italy.

His replacement, who is known to shun the limelight, lost no time in issuing a clarion call to his under-fire players.

Scrum-half Armstrong is looking forward to restoring Scottish fortunes after a series of setbacks that has included record defeats by Australia and South Africa.

Armstrong said: "I aim to lead from the front and give 100%.

"If I have 14 boys behind me all giving the same there's no reason why we can't get a result in Dublin.

"It's been a very tough last few months for Scottish rugby but hopefully this will be the turning point."

Armstrong has previously captained the Scotland A side and former club Jed-Forest.

Armstrong, who will win his 37th cap on Saturday, revealed he had already received a telephone call from displaced skipper Wainwright assuring him of his full support.

He added: "You don't become a bad player overnight and hopefully Rob will be back to his best against Ireland."

Scotland hope that Wainwright, free of the captain's responsibility, will now be able to concentrate on his game.

He retains his place in a side showing seven changes - three positional - from the one that started in Italy.

The full team is:

Gavin Scott (Dundee HSFP and Caledonia).
 

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