Chris Cusiter reckons his summer stint in Australia has improved his Scotland’s World Cup chances.
The 2005 Lion missed the majority of last season with a knee injury made the trip 'down under' and plaued for Southern Districts in Sydney to boost his fitness following the inforced lay-off.
The 52-times capped scrum-half played three games for the side and feels the move has put him in good stread for September's global tournament.
"It went really well," said Cusiter.
"My knee is 100% healed and it was important for me to get some games under my belt.
"I'm in a good place with World Cup selection coming up.
Cusiter missed 11 months of rugby, including the 2011 RBS 6 Nations, but has been included in a provisional squad of 40 ahead of the World Cup.
"I managed the last three games for Glasgow but as everyone went for the off-season I thought I needed a bit more game time," added Cusiter.
"It's was not quite the same level as the Magners League, it's semi-professional, but it was a pretty good standard, with some fantastic players.
"I played three 80 minutes down there and had a great time. I'm certainly fitter than when I went.
"We start pre-season training with Glasgow on Monday and that's going to be a big help as well, doing that fitness work, the weights and conditioning.
"Final selection for the World Cup is in August and that's the big goal for every Scottish rugby player in the squad of 40.
"I'm desperate to be there, desperate to make the team, but there's a lot of hard work to be done between now and then."
