Scotland will field a new halfback partnership and an uncapped winger in a much-changed team for the Six Nations opener against fierce rival England at Murrayfield on Saturday.

In a bid to turn plucky performances into victories, coach Andy Robinson energised his side on Tuesday by bringing in Chris Cusiter at scrumhalf in place of former captain Mike Blair and recalled Dan Parks at flyhalf, as a replacement for the injured Ruaridh Jackson.

Lee Jones, Edinburgh’s in-form winger, will make his debut for Scotland and backrow forwards David Denton and Ross Rennie were handed first starts for international rugby’s oldest fixture.

Lock Jim Hamilton, centre Nick De Luca and fullback Rory Lamont were also recalled as Robinson made eight changes to the team from its most recent test, a 16-12 loss to England in the World Cup group stage.

Scotland has been used to battling it out with Italy to avoid the wooden spoon in recent years but a strong start could spark an improved campaign in the northern hemisphere competition.

“It is not by accident that these games are referred to as test matches – because that is what they are, the ultimate in physical and mental challenge and that is certainly always on the menu when England are our opponents,” said Robinson, a former player and coach of England.

“We have experienced players in our team and they must make that knowledge count by helping the team to a successful start on Saturday.”

Goalkicking utility back Chris Paterson has retired, while flanker Kelly Brown is out with a leg injury to join Jackson (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Hooker Ross Ford will captain the team.

Scotland: Rory Lamont, Lee Jones, Nick De Luca, Sean Lamont, Max Evans, Dan Parks, Chris Cusiter; David Denton, Ross Rennie, Alasdair Strokosch, Jim Hamilton, Richie Gray, Euan Murray, Ross Ford (captain), Allan Jacobsen. Reserves: Scott Lawson, Geoff Cross, Alastair Kellock, John Barclay, Mike Blair, Greig Laidlaw, Graeme Morrison.