Scotland face an enviable dilemma as they weigh up whether to kick-off the Six Nations with former skipper Greig Laidlaw or his livewire scrum-half rival Ali Price, according to assistant coach Mike Blair.
Laidlaw is back in contention to make his first Dark Blues appearance in almost a year after coming through 80 minutes for club side Clermont Auvergne unscathed against Montpellier on Sunday.
In the injury-hit period since the 32-year-old's last Test appearance against France in Paris, Price has emerged as a genuine international-level nine whose speed and trickery around the breakdown fits perfectly with head coach Gregor Townsend's quick-paced gameplan.
The decision now for the Scotland boss as he prepares for his first Championship clash since taking charge in the summer – against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday – is whether to go with the experienced old stager in Laidlaw, who has been replaced as captain by John Barclay, or the young pretender Price.
Townsend will likely turn to skills coach Blair – a half-back of some standing himself having won 85 Scotland caps – for advice as he makes that decision, but the former British and Irish Lion admits whatever way they go, the call will be tight.
"I think Greg will be ready," said Blair. "He's shown he's match fit after Sunday, so he'll be available for selection.
"It's a great position to be in with the two guys. Greig had 10 minutes last week off the bench which was ahead of schedule and was able to get 80 minutes on Sunday.
"He's reported with no ill effects and were delighted with that.
"When you're out for so long with a leg injury you are concerned about fitness but he's in great shape and ready to go.
"Ali has had a great autumn and a lot of what was good about us was our tempo and his passing and running game.
"You weight up what the strengths are of each player and how that's going to fit for a particular game, so we've been doing that and will continue to do that until you guys hear what the team is."
Price is many pundits' favourite to get the nod but Blair knows Laidlaw will fight all the way for his jersey.
He said: "Greig's one of the most competitive guys you'll meet. He loves to be playing, loves to be organising things and if there's a challenge out there, he'll attack it head on."
Scotland have not sacked the hosts in Cardiff since 2002 but will strut into their first game believing they are real contenders after an encouraging autumn series saw them push the All Blacks close before trouncing Australia.
However, Blair said: "This group are good at tempering enthusiasm. There are a lot of experienced players who've been though the tough times.
"We are acutely aware that if we don't play to the best of our abilities then there's plenty of teams waiting to knock us down.
"The Six Nations is about momentum. If you get off to a good start then you can ride that wave. If you don't start well then you're battling going into week two."