However two tries from Simon Danielli would get Scotland over the finishing line to leave Robinson to breathe a big sigh of relief.

But much like Scotland’s other great sporting icon, Robinson believes his team showed their depth of character by digging deep to get themselves out of trouble.

He said: “I saw this as very much like Andy Murray playing his tennis matches, when he plays five sets.

“You get put under that pressure in the second round, third round sometimes and it's how you come through it and then the focus is onto the next game. Credit to Romania for the way they played.

“But what a fantastic last 10 minutes and you've got to give the Scottish players real credit for that.

“In the cold light of day we've got five points and we're looking forward to going and playing Georgia.

“We mustn't play Romania when we play Georgia, we've got to play a new side.”

There was no sign of the drama to come in the early stages when Mike Blair and Joe Ansbro touched down tries to give Scotland a 15-3 lead after 20 minutes.

But Romania, relying on the power of their tight five, hit back when Mihaita Lazar barged his way over after a rolling maul for an unconverted try.

Scottish full-back Chris Paterson exchanged penalties with Romania’s Ionut Dimofte early in the second half but Scotland’s advantage did not last long.

Dimofte slotted another penalty before, from another forwards’ move, No.8 Daniel Carpo touched down with the blessing of the television match officials – the subsequent conversion from Dimofte giving Romania a scarcely believable three-point lead.

Their lead though was shortlived as the deadly boot of Paterson levelled matters and with five minutes left Danielli finished off a well-worked move involving Richie Vernon and Max Evans.

The Ulster winger got his second just moments later – again coming down the left wing – to leave Scotland sitting pretty at the top of Pool B.