Scotland avoided a World Cup “banana skin” by coming from behind to beat the United States 39-16 on Sunday, coach Vern Cotter said.
The United States led 13-6 at the break but the Scots powered back with five second half tries to secure their Pool D bonus point win.
“There are a few things to juggle up and try to get right, but luckily we dodged a banana skin and now we can build towards South Africa,” said the relieved coach.
“We weren’t particularly accurate in the first 40 but the score early in the second half got us back on track and we managed to build through what was a reasonably difficult day of rugby with a win,” said Cotter.
“It was a game that was difficult to construct because it was a physical team in front of us,” added Cotter who would not reveal what was said in the dressing room at half time.
The New Zealander was happy to get a win and a bonus, but not pleased with just four complete days of rest after their 45-10 win over giantkillers Japan.
“Hats off to the guys, they worked hard, it was a four-day turnaround so you’ve got to look at how we come out of it because in six days’ time there’s another game.”
Scotland face probably their toughest game against two-time world champions South Africa — who got their campaign back on track after a stunning opening 34-32 loss to Japan with a 46-6 victory over Samoa at the weekend — next Saturday.