Lamont, 25, will start at full- back against France, and is confident that Scotland can ruffle a few feathers after giving a good account of themselves in the World Cup.
And he believes that Sharks team-mate Jason White could be instrumental in their revival.
Scotland had the youngest squad at the World Cup and, unlike France, have been able to maintain the same coaching and playing staff for the Six Nations, which could be a key factor over the coming weeks.
Lamont said: "We were all desperately disappointed with last season's results.
"But we picked ourselves up and gave a good account of ourselves in France. We are a young side and we have not made many changes.
"France have a new coach and a new-look squad, as do Wales. We have kept the same coach in Frank Hadden and in Jason White we have one of the best players in the world.
Absence
"Scotland missed him last season and I think his absence was reflected in some of the performances.
"Jason is a real leader. He doesn't rant and rave at you. He is cool and calm and leads by example.
"His tackling is ferocious and some of his big hits have turned games in our favour.
"We have got a lot to prove after last season."
Nick De Luca will make his Scotland debut in clash with France. But Chris Paterson, who recently signed for Guinness Premiership side Gloucester, has been left out of the side for the game at Murrayfield.
De Luca will start at centre alongside Andrew Henderson. But it is the omission of Paterson, who has been struggling for game time at Gloucester, which is the biggest surprise.
Lamont plays at full-back with Simon Webster and Nikki Walker on the wings.
Scotland made it through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup with wins over Portugal, Romania and Italy, before they were beaten by Argentina.
Tweet
