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Andy 'edgy' ahead of Bok Test

Murrayfield - Scotland head coach Andy Robinson admits to feeling on edge ahead of the match against South Africa but insists he is very much looking forward to it, reports the BBC.

The Scots were thumped 49-3 in the first autumn Test against the All Blacks last Saturday but are determined to put things right, says Robinson.

"One bad performance doesn't undermine what we're trying to achieve," he said.

"I look forward to every international. I'm edgy, which is good. I'm looking forward to the physical battle."

South Africa escaped from Dublin with a 23-21 victory at the beginning of the month, then beat Wales 29-25 as the Springboks made it six wins on the trot against northern hemisphere teams under coach Peter de Villiers.

And considering that South Africa have won the last seven matches between the nations, Scotland evidently face a stiff challenge on Saturday afternoon.

"It's going to be a tough, physical game," said Robinson.

"South Africa are playing pretty well. They have scraped two wins through hard work, having been put under huge pressure.

"We have to show Scotland's supporters this weekend that we are ready to face up to the intensely physical challenge that the South Africans always present."

The Scotland coaching team have pored over the All Blacks drubbing and there have been frank discussions in the camp in the past week, according to Robinson.

"We didn't deliver," was his blunt assessment of the first Test defeat.

"But the players have responded well," said Robinson. "They have been pretty honest about the way they have spoken to one another and they have been honest to us as a management team.

"The players are pledged to deliver a much-improved performance this weekend and I believe they can restore pride in the Scotland jersey."

Northampton centre Joe Ansbro will win his first cap, taking the place of injured Max Evans.

And with Mike Blair also on the treatment table, Robinson has named Rory Lawson as captain and he will line up beside Scott MacLeod, Nikki Walker and Nathan Hines, who come in for Jim Hamilton, Richie Vernon and Rory Lamont.

The Scotland coach told BBC Scotland: "I'm looking forward to seeing how we start the game and how we can implement our game.

"One thing about playing South Africa is you know the hits are going to be coming in.

"We need to establish a real go-forward and I'm looking forward to seeing how we achieve that.

"You've got to attack the space between defenders. You've got to run in twos and threes, not just as one player who can get isolated.

"It's important that when we hit the collisions that we are accelerating through them, that there is a real mentality to break through tackles, so you're looking one or two metres ahead so that players can get in behind you."
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