Scotland coach Steve McCormack insists his side have the ability to "shock a few people" during the World Cup.
The Scots are 150-1 outsiders in the 10-team tournament and kick off their campaign against Pool 2 rivals France in Canberra on Sunday.
"We have earned the right to be here," said McCormack, whose side, captained by Danny Brough, will also face Fiji.
"We have to play well and to our fulfil potential and, if we can do that, I'm sure we can shock a few people."
Scotland began their first training session at Matraville Sports High School in Sydney with a haggis-tasting.
"Having the haggis at training was just a bit of fun and it helps the team bond more," explained McCormack.
"We just had a light session to get the long flight out of our systems. We had a few small games and to introduce the players to the offensive patterns."
"My grandfather was born and raised over in Scotland, so to be able to represent him and the family's heritage is something special to me"As the only man who plays his rugby in Scotland, Edinburgh Eagles half-back or centre Paddy Coupar led the way with the haggis eating.
"It was fun to watch the reactions of the Australian-based players in the team," he said. "They will eventually get used to the taste of it!"
Coupar added that there is a good spirit in the Scottish camp.
"Some people haven't given us a chance but we have a good mix of players," he said.
"It is exciting to have a player like Michael Robertson in the Scotland team. He played the game of his life in Manly's grand final win. We can definitely surprise people."
Robertson, who is the highest-profile player in the Scots' 24-man squad, was close to selection for the Kangaroos but said he was proud to play for the Bravehearts.
"My grandfather was born and raised over in Scotland, so to be able to represent him and the family's heritage is something special to me," he said.
"Our aim is to win our pool matches against France and Fiji and progress from there. Hopefully we can knock them off and progress through and see what happens from there."
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