Scotland 19 Samoa 16: Belief restored in Scotland camp says delighted centre Morrison

Graeme Morrison believes there is "something special" brewing in the Scotland squad after victory over Samoa earned Andy Robinson's men a fifth win out of six Tests to complete 2010 on a high.

After a 49-3 loss to New Zealand and a 21-17 victory over world champions South Africa, Scotland completed the EMC Autumn Test series with a narrow win over Samoa in Aberdeen.

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Centre Morrison bore the scars of a third physical confrontation in succession as he reflected on a successful 2010 while looking ahead to the Six Nations, which for Scotland begin against France in Paris on February 5.

The 28-year-old said: "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.

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

Scotland have now beaten Australia, Ireland, Argentina (twice), South Africa and Samoa in little more than a year, with Morrison an integral figure in the successes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: "I believe the group of players that we've got are really special.

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

"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."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Scotland completed the autumn campaign without the injured Alastair Kellock, Chris Cusiter, Johnnie Beattie, Simon Danielli and Alasdair Strokosch, players who have all been central to recent successes.

After the seven-try humbling to the All Blacks in Scotland's first Test for five months dented the confidence garnered from the 2-0 series win in Argentina, Scotland's first such success in the southern hemisphere, the squad's strength of character emerged.

And the narrow wins over 2007 world champions South Africa and Samoa restored belief.

The Springboks defeated England at Twickenham, but Morrison does not believe that result puts Scotland's display at Murrayfield a week ago into perspective.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We're just happy with our performances and our results," added Morrison, fully aware that Scotland were not firing on all cylinders against Samoa. "South Africa were obviously going to be hurting after that defeat and they'll have done a lot of work to beat England this week.

"It does wonders for confidence and morale," he said of their back-to-back victories.