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Last Updated: Sunday, 5 February 2006, 19:26 GMT
Chris Cusiter column

Chris Cusiter
Scotland scrum-half

It was a great performance against France. The whole team played so well, firstly to build a great lead and, later in the game, to preserve that lead.

There was a real confidence in the squad and a real belief that we could beat France, even though few people gave us a chance.

One of coach Frank Hadden's great strengths is instilling the confidence in us that gives us the belief we can beat teams like France.

When you're playing with confidence, it's easier to relax and play the type of attacking rugby we played in the first half.

Some of the breaks we made and the tries we scored were really good. But, without getting too carried away, I think there's much more to come from this team.

In the past, we've been guilty of having the wrong attitude, but now every single player believes we can win when we go on the park.

Everyone works hard for each other and everyone - including the replacements - have an important role to play.

By the time I came on, it was all about keeping France out, but the forwards were immense all day and defensively we were outstanding, never panicking.

It's very tiring trying to keep a team like France out. It requires a huge effort and it really takes it out of you.

But our discipline was excellent, although against one of the best attacking teams in the world it would have been better to hold on to the ball a bit more late in the game.

I was pretty pleased with my own performance when I came on, but I'm just delighted for the team as a whole and I'm really chuffed for Mike Blair, who was excellent.

The win gets us off to the best possible start and we know Wales are going to be hurting from their defeat and looking to bounce back against us on Saturday.

But we'll take great confidence from our own performance.

Although expectations on us will now be higher, we're delighted to be in a position where people might expect us to win.

That's not been the case recently.




WATCH AND LISTEN
Highlights: Scotland 20-16 France


Interview: Scotland coach Frank Hadden


Interview: Scotland captain Jason White


Interview: Scotland's Scott Murray



SEE ALSO
Scotland 20-16 France
05 Feb 06 |  Six Nations
Hadden welcomes return of pride
05 Feb 06 |  Six Nations


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