Highlights - Scotland 19-16 Samoa

Graeme Morrison thinks the future is bright for Scotland after Saturday's win over Samoa earned Andy Robinson's men a fifth success from six Tests.

"I believe the group of players that we've got are really special," said the Glasgow centre.

"We get on so well together and if we keep on improving when we come together then I believe we have got something special in the tank.

"But we need to keep on improving and to keep on challenging each other."

After a crushing 49-3 loss to New Zealand and a 21-17 victory over world champions South Africa, Scotland completed their autumn Tests with a 19-16 win over Samoa in Aberdeen.

MY SPORT: DEBATE How would you rate Scotland's autumn displays?

A bruising encounter in wintry conditions with the Pacific islanders at Pittodrie featured Scotland's first try of the autumn, scored by Nikki Walker, and was decided by Ruaridh Jackson's penalty with the last kick of the game.

"We knew it was going to be really tough and it certainly was that - I've got a bit of a headache from some of the hits that were coming my way," added Morrison.

"It was great Jacko managed to get the kick at the end there and we're delighted to win."

Prior to the autumn internationals, Scotland ended the Six Nations with a win against Ireland in Dublin, and won twice on their summer trip to Argentina.

And a good 2010 has lifted Robinson's side to sixth in the world rankings.

Key players Alastair Kellock, Chris Cusiter, Johnnie Beattie, Simon Danielli and Alasdair Strokosch were all missing from this series of matches through injury.

Scotland had to work hard against a battling Samoa side

"It's great there's a lot of competition now in the squad and we're just looking forward now to getting back together for the Six Nations," continued Morrison, who admitted Scotland were not firing on all cylinders against Samoa.

However, he and his team-mates are delighted to have recorded back-to-back wins on home soil.

"It does wonders for confidence and morale," he explained.

"It's all about consistency and when we get those wins under our belt the squad can remain positive.

"We know that we have to be at our best to win these games and although we weren't at our best, I think we have that air of confidence and I think we can build on that.

"We've shown a certain level of inconsistency this autumn that we probably need to step up if we're going to try to compete in the Six Nations and I think everyone's looking forward to challenging themselves to improve over the next couple of months with their clubs."

The run of success means Scotland will be considered dangerous opponents in the race for next year's Six Nations title.

"We'll take it a game at a time and we've got a huge challenge with France first in Paris," said Morrison.

"We can't really think too far ahead, just focus on that game, but I believe if we improve we can beat any team in the competition."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version