Frank Hadden claims up to 12 places in his World Cup squad are up for grabs, a point not lost on Glasgow No.7 John Barclay.
"The World Cup is a goal," he conceded a little reluctantly in the Scotland on Sunday, "but whether it is realistic is another matter. There are lots of back-rows that are what you would call a shoo-in for the squad, so there are probably four or five other guys fighting for one or two spots.
"I didn't get a look-in during the Six Nations, so hopefully I'll get some game time in the Churchill Cup and, with Frank and George and Taity [Alan Tait] coaching, that will give me an opportunity to show what I can do right in front of their eyes."
Sean Lineen has claimed that the Warriors recent good form is largely thanks to an improving forward pack, and the pro-team's coach has also repeatedly said that no-one has improved as far or as fast as John Barclay.
John's fellow Warriors, Stevie Swindall and John Beattie, may make up an all-Glasgow third row for the Scotland A team at some point over the course of the Churchill Cup. If so, they will bring the understanding developed from playing together and plenty of self-belief after enjoying a superb second part of the season.
So what brought about the change? "A core group has been together for a couple of years. We've known what it's like to be at the foot of the table, and no-one enjoys that," says John in response to the question. "There are lots of new ideas being thrown out by Sean as coach, and there is more of a feeling of everyone pulling in the same direction.
"There are no hangers-on any more. Everyone wants to play, and when they're not playing, it's all about helping the team. There's a better team spirit."
CHURCHILL CUP FIXTURES: Scotland A v USA: Wednesday May 23, 6pm, Henley; Scotland A v England A: Monday May 28, 3pm, Twickenham.
Finals Day: Saturday June 2: 11.30am, 1.45 and 4.30 pm, Twickenham.
SCOTLAND A SQUAD (Edinburgh unless stated): Backs: Robert Chrystie (Borders), Simon Danielli (Borders), Nick De Luca (Borders), Thom Evans (Glasgow), Phil Godman, Robbie Kydd (Northampton), Rory Lamont (Glasgow), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Calum MacRae (Borders), Mark McMillan (Wasps), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow), Gordon Ross (Castres Olympique), Simon Webster.
Forwards: John Barclay (Glasgow), Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow), Alasdair Dickinson, Bruce Douglas (Borders), Iain Fullarton (Saracens), Andrew Hall (Newport Gwent Dragons), Craig Hamilton (Borders), Ed Kalman (Borders), Scott Lawson (Glasgow), Moray Low (Glasgow), Donnie Macfadyen (Glasgow), Mark Rennie (Bourgoin), Craig Smith, Alasdair Strokosch, Steve Swindall (Glasgow).