Robinson looking for a positive start

Scotland v Fiji: ANDY ROBINSON is back for his second crack as an international coach having previously taken charge of England.

He will be hoping for better fortune this time. Scotland have lost 12 of their last 16 matches, a run has been compounded by dull, conservative performances.

In a previous incarnation, Robinson’s Edinburgh team couldn’t be accused of those failings. His understanding of the politics and playing resources from his time at club level should smooth the transition.

He has plenty of ability available behind the scrum in the Lamont brothers, Rory and Sean, and Ulster’s Simon Danielli with the Evans brothers, Thom and Max, expected to return now that they have finished the photo-shoot for the Stade Francais calendar.

Robinson has given the excellent Chris Cussiter the captaincy and the scrumhalf will lead a composite-looking Scottish side with several established front-line internationals on the bench.

Fiji are missing a number of their top players but it won’t change their hugely engaging pitch-wide passing style. They are one place above (ninth) their hosts in the world rankings so this game really matters.