With Finn Russell now almost certain to be on the sidelines for the summer tour to Japan, it represents a chance for someone else to put their hand up in the number 10 jersey.
Vern Cotter has a number of options, including Ruaridh Jackson and Peter Horne, who are both already among the touring party.
Jackson is the front-runner to take over from Russell at stand-off although his recent appearances in navy were at fullback. Horne hasn’t worn the jersey much since that disastrous afternoon against Italy – the less said on that, the better – although he was an impressive stand in for Russell when he left the 2016 Six Nations game against France early (another head knock).
There is also the prospect of Greig Laidlaw moving from 9 to 10 which might free up the logjam behind him waiting for test experience at scrum-half but is unlikely to be a long term fix.
What, though, if Cotter wants to reinforce his touring ranks and add another playmaker to the mix?
He has options there too.
Duncan Weir has been around the national set-up a lot, but flattered to deceive during his most recent appearance, in the Six Nations loss to Ireland and was only solid in the PRO12 semi-final when Glasgow needed magic. He may be given time to make the move to Edinburgh Rugby, rather than travel to Japan.
Worcester Warrior Tom Heathcote is another in the mix to don the national team colours after he caught the eye during the Premiership finale at Sixways. Inverness-born Heathcote hasn’t had much of a look-in internationally, but has rediscovered some form at Sixways and may come into Cotter’s thinking.
If neither of those pair are viable options, Cotter may opt for youth and expose Bath youngster Adam Hastings – son of Gavin – to the Test arena. The U20s star has not looked out of place when he’s deputised for messrs Ford and Priestland at The Rec this season, and was a stand-out performer during the under-20 Six Nations when allowed to play. He’s already been named in John Dalziel’s squad for the U20 World Championships, but behind Jackson it could be a great opportunity to get him involved in the senior Scotland set-up.
Cotter will likely need Horne to cover the midfield in the absence of both Bennett, Dunbar and Richie Vernon, so Jackson will most likely start at number 10, but don’t be surprised if there’s a first cap for the familiar name of Hastings on this year’s summer tour.