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Robinson wants to inspire nation

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Destiny to inspire nation - Robinson

Scotland rugby coach Andy Robinson has described in stirring terms the goals he and his team have set themselves.

The Scottish game has been boosted by wins in Robinson's first two matches in charge, against Fiji and the thriller against Australia in the autumn Tests.

"A key purpose for us is understanding what we're about as a team. The strapline is to inspire a nation through winning performance," he said.

"The way the supporters got behind the team against Australia was fantastic."

Robinson's impact on Scottish rugby has been significant, with progress made at club level with Edinburgh followed by victory at the IRB Nations Cup in Romania with Scotland A in the summer.

But the 9-8 win over the Wallabies at Murrayfield on Saturday is the one that has caused greatest excitement, such was the final-minute drama and the 27-year gap since Scotland last enjoyed a win over their illustrious opponents.

Everything that they are putting together has come about through that desire that they have as a team

Scotland coach Andy Robinson

Robinson says the credit should go to the players.

"The way the team played at the weekend was very courageous. From 1-22 the effort that was put in was superb," he told BBC Scotland.

"The determination, everybody putting their bodies on the line, the low tackles that enabled us to stop the Australians. We made over 200 tackles, which is a very high stat.

"The players know that they have the ability - that's coming out all the time. They also have the leadership ability.

"Everything that they are putting together has come about through that desire that they have as a team. They have taken everything on board and they are enjoying playing for Scotland."

John Barclay drives at the Australians at Murrayfield
Scotland turned in a terrific defensive performance to beat Australia

The former England coach felt fate was on Scotland's side against Australia after seeing Phil Godman's penalty hit the post and go through, and described a tackle by captain Chris Cusiter on Stephen Moore as "game-changing".

With the coach seeing positives in the team's driving game and mauling, his attention now turns to the third Test, against Argentina on Saturday at Murrayfield.

"We are in control of whether we win or lose. We've got to put in a performance better than the one against Australia to beat Argentina. The work has already started on that," said Robinson.

"The way the crowd got behind the team, it's vitally important that we deliver again this weekend. It's our next game, our next challenge and I'm looking forward to seeing how the team performs."

Asked if the high-profile win over Australia increased expectation levels among the fans, he said: "We're professional sports people. We've got to enjoy the pressure that's there, knowing that we're in control of how we perform.

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"The crowd, how ecstatic they were, the feeling of winning that you get - you want to feel that again. That's what this weekend's about."

The Pumas, with a strong record against the Scots, are about to find out if the passion displayed by the coach, players and supporters last weekend can be carried forward seven days.



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see also
Jubilant Scots target clean sweep
23 Nov 09 |  Scottish
Robinson praises courageous Scots
21 Nov 09 |  Scottish
Scotland 9-8 Australia
21 Nov 09 |  Scottish
International rugby photos
21 Nov 09 |  Rugby Union
Autumn international rugby as it happened
21 Nov 09 |  Rugby Union
Wallabies wallow in Scottish mud
19 Nov 09 |  Scottish


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