Head coach Andy Robinson today spoke of the mounting excitement in the Scotland camp ten days before his side begin the EMC Autumn Tests against New Zealand at Murrayfield.

Robinson was reflecting at the end of a three day camp in St Andrews and he is encouraging supporters to give massive backing to the team as they seek to build on their fine form at the end of last season, where a victory against Ireland was followed by back-to-back away successes against Argentina.

Andy Robinson - excited by the challenge

Robinson declared: “The great thing about the Autumn Tests is that we have matches that are exciting to go and watch.

“It will be exciting to see whether we can hit the ground running and back up what we did in Argentina, retain our momentum and take on the best side in the world with ball in hand. It’s a great challenge for us.”

Robinson reported that his medical team are confident that all 33 players in the squad will be fit and ready to train when the Scotland squad reconvene on Monday.

French based players Hugo Southwell and Rory Lamont had both arrived in camp restricted by dead-legs sustained in club action but are improving on a daily basis, while forwards Nathan Hines (neck), Moray Low (rib), Dougie Hall (ankle) and Alasdair Dickinson (ankle) are also making good progress.

Much attention had focused on stand-off Dan Parks who has been sidelined with a foot injury sustained in action for Cardiff Blues last month but Parks took part in full training today and Robinson said he was nearing 100%.

Tickets for the EMC Autumn Test against New Zealand on Saturday 13 November at Murrayfield (kick-off 5.15pm) are on sale now via www.scottishrugby.org and also 0844 335 3933.  You can also buy now for the later matches in the series – against South Africa at Murrayfield on Saturday 20 November (kick-off 2.30pm) and Samoa at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen on Saturday 27 November (kick-off 2.30pm).

The Scotland team to play New Zealand will be announced next Tuesday (9 November) and first details will appear on www.scottishrugby.org.