We can be dangerous - Beattie (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

We can be dangerous - Beattie

4:17pm Monday 8th February 2010 in

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Johnnie Beattie insists Scotland showed enough in their RBS 6 Nations opener against France to be confident of upsetting Wales this weekend.

Glasgow number eight Beattie was arguably one of only two of Andy Robinson's players to enhance their reputation in Sunday's dispiriting 18-9 defeat at Murrayfield. France completely dominated territory and could easily have won more convincingly, even though the Scotland camp claim it was the taking of chances that was the biggest difference between the sides.

"We did show that we can create things and if we can finish off then we'll be dangerous," said Beattie, who made one telling break in the first half which the home side failed to finish off. "It's disappointing to get off to that start but you've just got to have a 'next game' mentality, look forward to the next challenge and get back on that horse quickly and look to reverse things."

He added: "It's good that it's only six days away."

Wales also lost their opening match, going down 30-17 to England, but the manner of their defeat was in stark contrast to that of Scotland, with Warren Gatland's men arguably the better side at Twickenham with 15 men on the field.

Beattie applauded Wales' "strength of character", adding: "They really fought well when they went down (to 14 men) and they played really well.

"Some key players stood out, James Hook played really well.

"So if we can shackle these boys and get our attack operating the way it should then we can go down there and win.

"Both teams are going to look to rectify from this weekend, so it'll be massively tough. They're a talented bunch of players and very physical.

"But we're looking to go down there and win and we'll be positive about it."