Scotland aim to tough it out

Scotland aim to get physical against Fiji in tomorrow's deciding Pool B match in Gosford.

Iain Morrison, above in action against France, is an injury doubt for Scotland for their game with Fiji tomorrow.
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SYDNEY // Scotland aim to get physical against Fiji in tomorrow's deciding Pool B match in Gosford. The Scots, beaten 36-18 by France in their opening game in Canberra, need to win by 28 points in order to reach the semi-final qualifier against Ireland or Samoa, who face each other at Parramatta. Coach Steve McCormack was disappointed with his forwards' efforts against the French and plans to make changes for the clash with Fiji, who produced the outstanding result of the tournament so far with their 42-6 rout of France onSaturday.

"I will definitely be making changes," he said. "We left some quality players out last week and they are chomping at the bit. "We didn't played as well as I would have liked against France. We probably only played at 40 per cent of our capabilities and I know we can be a lot more physical. "I thought we were a bit loose around the ruck and we've certainly worked on that. I thought we played some decent football against the French but we didn't establish field position."

McCormack has at least one change forced on him following the loss of loose forward Lee Paterson with a knee injury, while second rowers Duncan MacGillivray and Iain Morrison have been laid low with a virus in the build up to the game. The front row forward Wayne Kerr will make his World Cup debut for Ireland against Samoa. Kerr, 24, who only started playing rugby league three years ago with Carlow Crusaders, will be on the bench in place of veteran Mick Cassidy, the former Wigan and England forward who misses out through injury.

"Mick has been carrying a calf strain during the course of this week," said coach Andy Kelly of the decision. "Wayne has worked hard and we think he's ready to drop in there. I know he's excited about it." * PA Sport