Scots confident of facing down Wallabies
New Scotland captain Chris Cusiter believes his team are capable of competing with Australia on Saturday but only if they cut out the careless errors.
The scrum-half issued his verdict after inspiring them to a 23-10 success against a raw but enthusiastic Fiji outfit at Murrayfield.
Cusiter said: "First and foremost, it was important to get the win against a unit who were above us in the world rankings.
"There were lots of positives, but certain things we will definitely have to work on. The Australians will provide us with a very stern challenge but we have given ourselves something to build on.
"We showed in the first half that we can play exciting and effective rugby, though we let things get scrappy in the second half.
"We let a lot of balls drop and we will have to be more clinical when it matters."
Scotland coach Andy Robinson also admitted to having mixed emotions.
On one hand, he was delighted to get a win on his debut in charge, but he also expressed his frustration at failing to snap up more than two tries.
And he warned they will need to be "at least 15 per cent better" to have any prospect of beating Australia next weekend.
He declared: "I was really pleased to get a victory and with the rugby we produced in the opening 35 minutes.
"However we played in fits and starts for most of the second half. We turned the ball over too many times and the guys were annoyed about that.
"I have to give Fiji credit for the way they defended and they showed we need to be sharper in the opposition half."
Robinson picked out try scorer Johnnie Beattie for special mention, along with front row pair Moray Low and Ross Ford.
He added: "I was also thrilled at the way Alex Grove acquitted himself on his debut.
"It is the first step along the path and we certainly won't get carried away. There is a lot to improve on and the players understand that."
Fiji coach Mike Brewer said: "I am sure things could have been different if we had been able to have more preparation time.
"Many of the players had never been together before this week, so it was difficult to prepare properly.
"We matched Scotland in several aspects, but much of the good work was spoiled by simple mistakes."
Fijian stand-off Nicky Little insisted his side had not disgraced themselves.
"We played some pretty good stuff when you consider many of the boys had never played together," said Little.
"Scotland deserved their success and we know that the main thing we have to work on is discipline as we look ahead to playing Ireland."
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