Robinson out to spoil French party

HEAD COACH Andy Robinson is unfazed by Scotland’s history in France and his side’s recent try-scoring record ahead of the RBS 6 Nations opener at the Stade de France today.

Scotland have two wins in Paris in 42 years and are without a victory in the French capital since winning the final Five Nations Championship in 1999.

But after five wins in the last six Tests, Robinson is determined to oversee a performance which would earn Scotland a first win on the opening Six Nations weekend in five years.

Robinson said: “We focus on what our performance is about; we can’t control what’s happened over the last 12 years.

“There’s been a lot of talking taking place and what’s key for us now is for us to get out and perform.

“What’s important for us is to look at where we are and the step-by-step process we’ve got to take to win the game.”

Throughout their recent run, which has included wins over Ireland, Argentina (twice), South Africa and Samoa, Scotland have scored three tries, often relying on the metronomic boot of fly-half Dan Parks and his understudy Ruaridh Jackson.

Robinson recognises Scotland must take points when they are available, but is unconcerned by the dearth of five-pointers.

“Something that we need to improve on in our side is that ruthlessness that when we get chances to take them,” he said.

“Whether that’s three points, six points or building through scoring tries, we’ve got to make sure we’re doing well with the ball in hand.”

The return of Alastair Kellock as captain will be key for Scotland. The Glasgow Warriors second row missed the autumn internationals following knee surgery after leading Scotland to their first southern hemisphere Test series win in Argentina last June.

Nathan Hines moves to blindside flanker alongside Kelly Brown at number eight while Nick De Luca replaces the injured Graeme Morrison at inside centre and Max Evans begins on the left wing in place of Sean Lamont.

French coach Marc Lievremont is under fierce pressure today.

They may have achieved a Grand Slam last year but summer tour losses to South Africa and Argentina and the 59-19 home mauling by Australia in November has raised the stakes for the coach.

Lievremont said: “The tour in June and then the huge defeat against Australia blew away a lot of the certainties on the level of our morale which had been borne out of the Six Nations. We have to rediscover our team spirit and we are going to do our utmost so the guys get their confidence back.”