Brewer spies for Fiji

Scotland Evening News - Saturday, October 31, 2009 6:00 PM

SCOTLAND'S rugby side will be subjected to an 'insider' analysis of their strengths and weaknesses when they bid to get their Bank of Scotland Autumn Test campaign off to a win over Fiji at Murrayfield on November14 .

Since Scotland's last international, against England in March, assistant coach Mike Brewer has moved on and taken up a role with the Fijians.

This has enabled ex-All Blacks captain Brewer to compile the sort of dossier which former Australian cricketer Justin Langer put together for the Ashes series on the players liable to be confronted and based on local knowledge.

Confirming the specialist input being provided by Brewer, who continues to be based in Europe, the Fijian rugby union's acting chief executive Keni Dakuidreketi said: "Mike has produced a comprehensive document to the coaches on the individual player analyses of the opposition and a likely game plan to adopt."

It was reported that Brewer quit the Scottish game when he failed to make the shortlist at interviews to replace head coach Frank Hadden and could therefore have a special incentive to succeed in Edinburgh next month in what will be Andy Robinson's first match in charge.

What is certain is that 16 of the squad Brewer helped to coach at Twickenham last time are involved in Robinson's initial extended match squad of 32 and it remains to be seen whether attempts will be made to negate Brewer's possible anticipation of tactics.

However, there is at least one positive omen for the Scots as, despite Langer's controversial dossier, the Aussies lost the cricket series!