Scotland skipper sensing history

Scotland haven't beaten the Wallabies in 16 attempts since 1982 and Cusiter admits he would love nothing more than to bring that long-standing record to an end.

"Beating Australia is the first thing on our minds," said Cusiter, who captained the Scots to a 23-10 victory over Fiji last week in his first game in charge under new head coach Andy Robinson.

"We're aware of that 27-year gap. It's a long time and it means all the great sides - the 1990 Grand Slam side - were never able to beat Australia.

"We've spoken all week about how we're going to do it, how we feel we need to play and the quality of work that's needed to beat Australia.

"It's a huge chance to make history but, ultimately, we have to perform."

Victory over former Leinster star Rocky Elsom and co would be a huge boost for Scotland's new leader but the former Lions scrum-half knows that such a result won't come easy.

The 27-year-old has no doubt that the current crop of Australians are a far better team than many critics have suggested over the past 12 months.

They may have endured a disappointing Tri Nations campaign and be without big-name players such as Stirling Mortlock and Berrick Barnes but Cusiter knows the Wallabies will still provide a huge challenge at Murrayfield this Saturday.

"They don't have a huge playing base but some of the athletes they produce and the smart rugby they play is very impressive," added Cusiter.

"They play against such quality opposition in the All Blacks and South Africa in the Tri Nations tournament that they have to be up to speed.

"Even though they only won one game in the Tri Nations, they weren't far off in the other ones and they're a quality team.

"I thought against England they were very impressive and they really dominated that game. Against Ireland, they conceded a late draw, which I'm sure they're disappointed about, but again they played some great rugby.

"They play the game at a real intensity…it's a big step up for us on Saturday."