SCOTLAND'S touring rugby union team made the start they wanted in New Zealand with a substantial points win over third division provincial side Wanganui.

But the performance was by no means flawless, with the tourists at times over anxious to move the ball wide when a more controlled approach might have been better.

There were encouraging performances from youngsters Scott Murray, impressive in the line-out, prop Barry Stewart, powerful in the scrummage, and flanker Nick Broughton, an effective link player.

Scotland's other newcomer, Stuart Lang had a nervous start but the young full-back settled into his kicking rhythm to put over four conversions and two penalty goals.

Scotland led 25-8 at half-time through two fries by winger Derek Stark and one apiece from lock Damian Cronin and right wing Craig Joyner.

The Scots extended their try-count when burly flanker Peter Walton crashed his way through the defence from a penalty move and then when Eric Peters dotted down the ball for a pushover fry.

Scotland's final touchdown came from scrum half Andy Nicol after stand off Gregor Townsend had made a darting run to the line.

It was not all one way traffic for Scotland, however. Wanganui, positive throughout, slipped through the defensive screen twice to produce fries for flankers James Gutsell and Andre Renata. Fullback Jerome Nahoma slotted over a penalty goal.

The Scots face a much harder game on Friday night against Northland.

Cardiff chief executive Gareth Davies has warned of possible "civil war" over the Welsh Rugby Union's ultimatum to clubs on their participation in next season's European and domestic tournaments.

The former Cardiff and Wales outside-half and captain sounded his alert in the aftermath of the WRU's demand that clubs confirm their participation within seven days or face expulsion.

The leading Heineken League clubs are demanding a bigger share of the revenue from European Cup matches and from the proposed Anglo-Welsh competition.