Scotland get off to winning start in their first match under new coach Andy Robinson
After a cagey, error strewn start from both teams Scotland took the lead just under the quarter hour mark with a drop kicked penalty goal from Phil Godman.
The Edinburgh fly-half almost added to his total just three minutes later when another penalty kick came off the upright.
And with the Scots starting to assert their authority the crowd didn't have much longer to wait to see their first try of the match when Johnnie Beattie touched down in 21 minutes to put Robinson's men in the driving seat.
With Fiji No 6 Josefa Domolailai forced to retire after an injury saw him replaced by Samu Bola Scotland maintained their pressure with Lamont coming close before Godman slotted comfortably home from the 22 in 27 minutes, then followed that up again eight minutes later with his third drop kick of the game.
If Scotland thought they were going to get things all their own way however they were sorely mistaken as Fiji scored a try straight form the kick off in 38 minutes after a quick tap penalty and then a long flat pass put Vereneki Goneva over in the right hand corner.
NIcky Little had no problem adding to the points total with his conversion and with Fiji almost snatching a try on 40minutes half time Robinson must have been glad to hear the half time whistle as his men left the field 16-7 in front.
Whatever Robinson said at half time seemed to do the trick as the Scots came flying out of the traps in the second half with Graeme Morrison scoring Scotland's second try of the game on 51 minutes which Goodman converted comfortably.
But again Fiji battled back this time from a penalty scored by Little after Al Strokoscch caught his opposite number around the throat.
With 20 minutes remaining Robinson decided to ring the changes with Paterson on for Rory Lamont, Blair for Cusiter, and Kyle Traynor earning his first cap, on for Jacobsen. Jason White then got the biggest cheer of the day when he replaced Strokosch.
With the Fijians continuing to press with some lovely interplay, and nerves seeming to get the better of Scotland with Paterson shotting high wide and handsome with just under ten minutes to go Robinson must have been concerned at the lack of penetration from his side and a fluffed penalty touch and drive near the death only seemed to confirm it.
Still the new coach will be happy to have at least got off to a winning start.
Teams:
Scotland: 15 Rory Lamont 14 Sean Lamont 13 Alex Grove 12 Graeme Morrison 11 Simon Danielli 10 Phil Godman, 9 Chris Cusiter; 1 Allan Jacobsen 2 Ross Ford 3 Moray Low 4 Nathan Hines 5 Al Kellock 6 Al Strokosch 8 Johnnie Beattie 7 John Barcaly
Subs: Dougie Hall, Kyle Traynor, Jason White, Ritchie Vernon, Mike Blair, Chirs Paterson, Nick de Luca
Fiji: 15 Josh Matavesi 14 Verenki Goneva 13 Gabby Lobovalavu 12 Seremaia Bai 11 Napolioni Nalaga 10 Nicky LIttle, 9 Moses Rauluni; 1 Alefoso Yalayalatabua 2 Viliame Veikoso 3 Deacon Manu 4 Wame Lewaravu 5 Ifereimi Rawada 6 Josefa Domolailai 8 Asaeli Boko 7 Akapusi Qera
Subs: Graham Dewes, Sireli Ledua, Leon Nakarawa, Samu Bola, Waisale Vutovoka, Jonetani Ratu, Nasoni Roko
Last updated: 14 November 2009, 18:31
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