The Scotland on Sunday's Iain Morrison analyses a major problem facing Scotland coach Andy Robinson.
"In one of his more lucid insights into the human condition Homer Simpson once declared: "Beer, the cause of, and the solution to, all of life's problems".
"For "beer" read Dan Parks and you get some idea of the conundrum facing Andy Robinson after three EMC autumn internationals. The Australian playmaker is the crux of Scotland's recent run of excellence (overlooking the All Blacks fiasco) and he is at the heart of Scotland's woes.
"Parks showcased his match management abilities against South Africa just as he had previously done in Argentina and Dublin. Courage comes in many guises and if he is not the bravest soul on the planet with a giant breakaway blocking out the sun, still the fly-half is nerveless when lining up crucial kicks in the sort of weather that would make the AA advise you to stay indoors.
"But there is a flip side. With Parks pulling the strings for Scotland the outside backs get the ball 15 metres behind the gainline with almost all of their momentum lateral rather than forward."
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