Ansbro: Encouraged but accepts work to be done

However, Ansbro acknowledged there was much work to be done prior to the tournament in New Zealand.

The London Irish centre was the match-winner on Saturday with a 76th-minute try - his first in seven internationals - as Scotland defeated Ireland 10-6 in the EMC Test at Murrayfield.

Scotland were the more enterprising team against a largely second-string Ireland, but the familiar failing of struggling to convert opportunities was evident until Ansbro cut in off the wing following replacement Nick De Luca's break to score.

Ansbro said: "I was confident we'd score one at least.

"We're very optimistic and that shone through. Things didn't always go to plan, but we kept working hard.

"It was the first game, so things weren't always going how we wanted, but I think we built enough momentum to score a try.

"They didn't look like scoring - that's a big positive - and we did.

"The tries are always there, it's always just one pass away and luckily the pass came my way.

"We've just got to make sure we take more chances.

"It is quite satisfying and it's encouraging more than anything.

"The win was paramount. I think we're all very pleased."

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson, too, was satisfied his charges were able to emerge from a scrappy contest - befitting of the first match of any season - victorious.

Scotland next play Italy on August 20, with the World Cup squad named two days later, before the opening Pool B fixture with Romania in Invercargill on September 10 - and that was Robinson's focus.

Robinson said: "I'm an optimist. We're here to win every game.

"If we go to a World Cup and come through with the mentality that we've had here, with the ability to play as we did and the mindset to actually go out and win the game, then I'll be very happy with that.

"Obviously as a coach and as players you're looking at how you can improve.

"We'll be looking at how we can make another step up in how we're playing because we're always looking to get better."

The result extended Rory Lawson's 100% record from three attempts as Scotland captain and saw Jack Cuthbert and David Denton make their debuts off the bench.

Bath back Cuthbert and Edinburgh's Denton, who is vying for one of the strongly contested back-row slots, are likely to need more game time against Italy to earn their places in the squad.

Others, like number eight Johnnie Beattie, who was at his rampaging best in 2010 before missing much of last season due to a shoulder injury, will also be seeking more match time after falling short of top form in the opening hit out.

Ansbro would also like to feature against the Azzurri, believing he is not yet assured of his place.

But while one warm-up match remains, the 25-year-old recognises there are numerous more opportunities to impress.

He said: "I'd like to play the next game, but first and foremost I've got to make sure I'm training well.

"Every day we're working with the coaches, they're seeing what we can do, every day is a challenge and I'm sure they're thinking about selection.

"The games are important for selection, but the training is as important. I've just got to keep focused."

The impression made by De Luca off the bench reaffirmed to Ansbro how challenging it will be to make the final 30-man squad.

And he is far from taking his place for granted, despite his match-winning display.

Ansbro said: "There are other good players in my position, so competition's high.

"There's still a long way to go, there will definitely be things I can improve and I'll never get complacent.

"There's a game in two weeks, training as well, so there's still a long way to go."