The ‘monkey is off their back’ according to Scotland’s top try-scorer Andrew Turnbull after a tough victory over Canada 19-17 in the second pool match today.

The Scots lost out to Canada four years ago and were determined to reverse fortunes this time around.

“They’ve beaten us in some really big games and it was nice to get that win today”, said Turnbull who scored Scotland’s third try of the match after Lee Jones continued his scoring run with two in the first half.

The final match of the day will be against New Zealand at 17.32hrs. “They’re one of the best New Zealand side’s I’ve seen” Turnbull continued, “so I am looking forward to getting out there later and testing ourselves against them.”

Coach Stephen Gemmel knew the match against Canada was always the crucial game to guarantee them a shot at medal glory.

He said, “It was always going to be the key game. Credit to the boys, we got the start we needed but Canada were always going to come back at us. It’s a win, we’re where we want to be and only three of eight teams can win a medal tomorrow. Scotland are now one of them.

“Now the pressure is off us a bit today, we can have a crack at New Zealand and look forward to tomorrow.”