Scotland finish yearon a high

Scotland 19 Samoa 16

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

The bruising encounter 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.

Glasgow Warriors centre Morrison, bearing the scars of a third physical confrontation in succession, reflected on a successful year before looking ahead to the Six Nations, which begins for the Scots in Paris on February 5.

The 28-year-old said: “We knew it was going to be tough and it certainly was that – I’ve got a bit of a headache from some of the hits that were coming my way - but it was great that Jacko managed to get the kick in 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.

“I believe the group of players that we’ve got are really special,” he added. “We get on so well together and if we keep on improving then I believe we have got something special in the tank.

“We do need to keep on improving and we do need to keep on challenging each other. It’s great that there’s a lot of competition now in the squad and we’re just looking forward to getting back together for the Six Nations.”

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 wins.

“We’re just happy with our performances and our results,” Morrison added. “It does wonders for confidence and morale. It’s all about consistency and when we get those wins under our belt, the squad can remain positive.”