Interview: Scotland coach Frank Hadden

Chris Cusiter Scotland scrum-half

Chris Cusiter takes time out from preparations for the Six Nations match with Ireland to answer some of your many e-mails.

What was the atmosphere like in the dressing room after the Italy game? Also, how does the result affect preparations for two massive games against two of the top three sides in the World?
Fraser Morgan, 21, Prestwick

It was a pretty disappointed dressing room. Very quiet, and the sort of situation you do your best to avoid. The result was a setback, but nothing more than that. It hasn't made us a bad team overnight. We still have quite a few games to go before the World Cup, plenty of time to get back on track. I don't think our preparations will change at all, but we will keep working hard and trying to improve as much as we can.

Against Italy, were we guilty of a pre-match false modesty which masked a presumption or arrogance?
Dave Scott, 48, St Albans

Neither, to be honest. We don't presume we are going to win any match. You need confidence to play international rugby, but I don't think we have ever displayed arrogance pre-match.

Have you been able to take anything from the last game that will help you in the next two?
Eloise Griffin, 26, Fife

Plenty. We do a lot of post-match analysis and I always look at what I did in the game and question what I could have done better. I am always trying to improve and I don't think I'll ever feel I've done as much as I can to do that. Ireland are a different kettle of fish and we will have our work cut out, but we have beaten some big teams at Murrayfield in the past year and believe we can win this week.

I heard that Irish bookies were already paying out on Ireland winning the Triple Crown, which is a major insult, but what do you think Scotland can change to prove them wrong?
Claire Martin, 26, Edinburgh

I don't think its about re-inventing the wheel for us, but going back to doing things as well as we did against Wales and hopefully scoring a few tries. We know we are a good team, but we are not the sort of team that can play poorly and still win. We have confidence in the squad, and if the bookies have written us off, to be honest, I don't think anyone would really care.

How do you boost your confidence level for Ireland. Is it a matter of hitting the training room hard, or is there another technique?
William MacGillivray, 35. Boston, Massachusettes, USA

My confidence levels are back to normal now - I have faith in my own abilities, because I have worked hard to get where I am, and will keep doing so. We trained hard last week, I have looked at the game on video and chatted to a few confidantes and feel well prepared to play Ireland.

I can see how the exodus of players will hit the domestic game but surely our international players will benefit from playing in quality leagues in England and France. What do you think?
Nicky McNally, 37, Glasgow

The players who have left Scotland, such as Jason White, Nathan Hines and Sean Lamont, are playing better than ever and perhaps the move has been good for them. Players like Chris Paterson and Scott Murray who play in Scotland are also playing as well as they ever have, and get well looked after in terms of rest and recovery. There are good arguments for both sides, but it's probably an individual decision. Players need to look after themselves and there will always be people who decide to play outside Scotland and those who wish to play in Scotland.

Who in training is always the person that does things that you just cannot believe?
Frank, 13, Surrey

I assume you mean skillful things? Phil Godman and Dan Parks usually come up with the goods in that department, and I've also seen Ally Hogg drop a few goals from the touchline. For some reason, Kelly Brown is a good goal-kicker, and he has Scottish Schools kicker pedigree behind him so you can't argue with that. I don't think Chris Paterson is worried just yet though!

Do you have any pre-match rituals?
Mark Wilson, 16, Kingross

Not so much rituals but a fairly standard routine I follow. Read the programme for a bit, put shorts and socks on and go and get any strappings done. Eat half a banana, and drink a can of Red Bull, then go out and do some passing and kicking. Then come back in and get ready for the team warm-up. I also find that listening to some good music on the way to the match helps, something like Aerosmith or the Rolling Stones usually does the trick.

You studied law at university, was it a big decision to turn your back on it and follow a career in rugby? Will you go back to it after your playing days are over?
Graeme McQueen, 24, Dublin

It wasn't really a big decision. I finished my degree and then started playing rugby professionally. While I enjoyed University, by the end I had my heart set on playing rugby full time and therefore the decision was quite easy. At the moment it's not in my plans to become a lawyer after rugby, but I would never say never. My dad, who is a lawyer, is always telling me not to follow him into the profession for some reason!

If you would like to ask Chris a question during the course of the Six Nations, fill in the form at the top right of this page.