Pool B: Scotland - 22 Fiji - 20 Like the drummers in Spinal Tap, outlandish things just keep happening to Scotland. Yesterday allegations of a drunken incident in a nightclub were added to World Cup baggage that now includes the Martin Leslie controversy, the team's collective twitch, the flight from the Hell's Angels, dodgy oysters, and Bryan Redpath's stubbed toe.
As the Scots flew to Brisbane thanking their lucky stars after the scrambled victory over Fiji saw them through to the quarter-final against Australia, damage limitation was the order of the day, as well as muted optimism that they can follow the Irish and challenge the world champions.
Team manager Dougie Morgan denied allegations in a Scottish newspaper that one of the players was seen drunk in a nightclub near the team hotel in Cronulla on Thursday night, and that the player "manhandled" the female companion of the journalist.
"Whatever country you're in someone somewhere down the line will try to rake up the dirt," said Morgan. "This is totally unfounded. As far as we were concerned, the players were back in the hotel that night."
At least the Scots were heading for the domestic terminal. When the Fijians ran rampant in the opening quarter of Saturday's dramatic end to proceedings in Pool B, it looked as if they would be taking the low road home rather than the high road to Brisbane.
Two tries from the Fijian wing Rupeni Caucaunibuca left the Scots 14-6 down, and contemplating the fact that Caucau had missed two other clear chances. It was through sheer bloody-mindedness and clear thinking that Scotland turned matters around sufficiently for Tom Smith to seal the victory and celebrate his 50th cap and 32nd birthday - a day late - with a pushover try four minutes from time, shortly after Fiji had gone five points ahead through a brace of Nicky Little penalties.
This was a victory ground out rather than delicately created, but that mattered little.
Simon Taylor's knee was Scotland's only injury concern, once Simon Danielli's nose had recovered from a high tackle from Caucau which, at Scotland's instigation, was being looked at by the citing commissioner.
Although the new outside-half Chris Paterson mixed his game with sufficient aplomb to retain his place, his back line faltered time after time, and the Scots will hope their forwards can follow the gutsy example set against the world champions by Ireland.
This was a match of might have beens for Fiji, but particularly for Caucau, who played less than two games, but may still rank as the find of the tournament. His first try was conjured up in minimal space; the second was an epic 75-metre run down the touchline.
Fiji could argue that the referee Tony Spreadbury's decision to send their lock Api Naevo to the sin-bin five minutes from the close may have been harsh while the loss of their hooker Greg Smith left them vulnerable in the setpiece, but their coach Mac McCallion admitted they had failed to strike when Scotland were there for the taking. Scotland took their chances, and go on to whatever curious events await in Brisbane.
SCOTLAND: Metcalfe (Hinshelwood, 73); Danielli (McLaren, 41), Townsend, Henderson, Logan; Paterson, Redpath (capt); Smith, Bulloch, Douglas, Hines, Grimes, Beattie (White 44), Mather, Taylor. Try: Smith. Con: Paterson. Pens: Paterson 5.
FIJI: Ligairi; Tuilevu, Ruivadra (Delasau 79), Rabeni (Isikeli 79), Caucaunibuca; Little, M Rauluni (S Raulini 67); Rasila, Smith (Seru 32), Vetayaki, Rawaqa, Naevo, Maimuri (Koyamaibole 50), Sewabu (Salawa 69), Doviverata (capt). Tries: Caucaunibuca 2. Cons: Little 2. Pens: Little 2. Yellow card: Naevo 76.
Referee: T Spreadbury (England).
