Rory Lawson woke up on Friday morning ready to lead Scotland A out against Tonga at Netherdale but the following day he was making history at Murrayfield as part of the first Scotland side to beat Australia for 27 years.

Lawson was drafted into the senior squad after co-captain Mike Blair failed to recover from an ankle injury. Then, with just 20 minutes on the clock in the most dramatic of matches, the 28-year-old suddenly found himself thrust into the limelight when skipper Chris Cusiter was forced from the field with a head knock.

The Gloucester scrum-half said: "It was a whirlwind couple of hours, from turning up to team run on Friday, not really knowing the situation. Obviously, Mike was unfortunate not to pass his fitness test but it opened up an opportunity for me. Similarly, with Chris getting a bang to the head, it gave me an opportunity to get a good run-out and gave me the opportunity to make an impact."

Lawson took his big chance with both hands, helping Scotland complete one of the greatest rearguard victories in recent Test history.

His performance gives Andy Robinson a real headache as he prepares to name his team for Saturday's final autumn international against Argentina.

By appointing Cusiter and Blair co-captains, the Scotland boss made it more difficult than ever for Lawson to represent his country.

Lawson, who has earned all but one of his 16 caps from the bench, said: "Chris and Mike are fantastic players, there's no getting away from that.

"And with them both being co-captains, it could become a little disheartening.

"But with these opportunities, you've got to make the most of them."