Coach Steve McCormack is adamant his Scotland side are capable of springing a shock at the forthcoming World Cup.
McCormack confident his troops can hold their own
Coach Steve McCormack is adamant his Scotland side are capable of springing a shock at the forthcoming World Cup.
The Scots head into the ten-team tournament as rank outsiders, but McCormack insists his charges have justified their place and can make a real impact.
To boost morale the squad recently sat down for a meal together which comprised haggis and McCormack believes the unity within the camp will be borne out in the team's games.
"Having the haggis at training was just a bit of fun and it helps the team bond more," he stated.
"We just had a light session to get the long flight out of our systems. We had a few small games and to introduce the players to the offensive patterns.
"We have earned the right to be here. We have to play well and to our full potential and, if we can do that, I'm sure we can shock a few people."
Edinburgh Eagles back Paddy Coupar acknowledges the team are being written off in many quarters but believes there is sufficient quality within the camp to pull of a shock result or two.
"There is a good spirit in the camp. Some people haven't given us a chance but we have a good mix of players," he added.
"It is exciting to have a player like Michael Robertson in the Scotland team. He played the game of his life in Manly's grand final win. We can definitely surprise people."
Robertson proud
Robertson is the highest-profile player in the Scots' 24-man party and, despite only narrowly missing out on selection for Australian, insists he is proud to be representing the Bravehearts.
"My grandfather was born and raised over in Scotland, so to be able to represent him and the family's heritage is something special to me," he declared.
"Our aim is to win our pool matches against France and Fiji and progress from there. Hopefully we can knock them off and progress through and see what happens from there."
