Robinson sees promising signs for Scottish rugby

Andy Robinson believes Scotland’s players are already showing signs of developing the “winning mentality” that was his mantra upon his appointment as head coach.

Edinburgh and Glasgow have both made excellent starts to the Magners League this season, with the former topping the table after three matches.

Robinson has also been impressed by the performances of Scotland’s foreign-based stars and believes he can harness the self-belief gained by members of his squad at club level during November’s autumn internationals.

“It gives you confidence and we’re trying to breed this new mindset,” Robinson said.

“The fact that they’re working hard during the week and earning that performance, that’s what is coming out in the way teams are playing.”

Robinson thought long and hard about leaving Edinburgh for the Scotland job but it is starting to look like he may be taking over the national team at the right time.

“Being here for two years, I understood the vibrancy about Scottish rugby, the potential that’s there,” said Robinson, who has been tasked with improving an RBS 6 Nations record that has brought only one win in each of the last championships.

“There’s a long way still to go but we’re heading in the right direction.”

Edinburgh’s form in particular has come as no surprise to Robinson, who led them to second place last season.

“I’m not surprised at all, they have some quality players there,” said Robinson, who admitted to missing the day-to-day involvement of club rugby.

“They have the ability to win any game that they play, similar to Glasgow.

“It’s about delivery though and they will be under a bit of pressure over the next couple of weeks to maintain their performances.”

Robinson vowed to select on form when he names his first Scotland squad next month for the Murrayfield meetings with Fiji, Australia and Argentina.

“We’ve watched a lot of games, we’ve watched all the French games and it’s been pleasing to see how our guys have been going down there,” Robinson said, highlighting the impact full-back Rory Lamont and flanker Jason White have made since moving to Toulon and Clermont Auvergne respectively.

“It’s important that these guys are going to a foreign land and are performing well.”

Robinson has been similarly enthused by the displays of a number of uncapped players, who can expect a welcome call from Scottish Rugby next month if they continue to perform.

Former England boss Robinson singled out Worcester centre Alex Grove, Edinburgh trio Roddy Grant (flanker), John Houston (centre) and Mark Robertson (wing), and Glasgow prop Jon Welsh, who has been hailed as the find of the season.

Grove and Houston were part of last month’s 44-man training squad at St Andrews.