Sunday, March 20, 2011
Scotland avoid last place as they beat Italy at Murrayfield
Italy came to Scotland looking to build on their historic win over France last Saturday and things got off to an excellent start when the ever impressive full-back Andrea Masi scorched to the line for an early try.
Scotland hit back with a penalty from the immaculate Chris Paterson, and things remained closely fought for the remainder of the first half.
However, when Nick de Luca scored in the 47th minute, the momentum swung in the direction of the Scots. With Richie Gray dominating the line-outs and Sean Lamont terrorising the Italian defence, Scotland seemed to have found their rhythm; and when Nikki Walker touched down for his try, the win was sealed.
It was a well-earned victory for a Scottish team who started their campaign with a lot of promise, yet struggled to turn potential into points. Nevertheless, a satisfied Andy Robinson said that the win was well-deserved, yet did not mask a disappointing 2011 campaign:
"It was the result we were looking for - but it did not hide the fact that the championship has been a disappointment for us," said the Scotland coach.
"We had gone into the competition full of genuine hope and expectation in terms of challenging the other teams, but it didn't work out that way. We performed well in patches, but these patches were not long enough. Results at this level are determined in inches and until this match we did not win enough of these inches.
Italy coach Nick Mallett confessed that his side seemed tired following their win against France last weekend. "The guys ran out of steam a bit in the second half and that was a disappointment," he said.
"We should have put more points on the board in the first half when we had the bulk of possession and territory. When Scotland then began to put us under pressure, we did not respond the way I hoped we would," he added.
sponsored by:
Guinness
Get your team out, with Sean Lamont! Watch the video, then find out more here .
Get your team out, with Sean Lamont! Watch the video, then find out more here .
Posted at 1:16 pm | 15 comments
|
|
|
Viewing 15 comments
Matt March 20, 2011 1:13 pm
Good rugby game:) Italy improving all the time. Parisse is immense!
Ronan March 20, 2011 1:13 pm
breaking news.....
AA roadwatch report that an overturned chariot is causing massive tailbacks outside landsdown road.....
AA roadwatch report that an overturned chariot is causing massive tailbacks outside landsdown road.....
Gavin March 20, 2011 1:22 pm
Where is the Scottish poster who popped up after the France - Scotland game stating that the winner of the 6 Nations would be one of the two of them? :)
I'm happy Scotland didn't get the wooden spoon, that would have been unfair considering how well they've played this year. Italy have their superb win over France to celebrate - but I suspect that if they had lost against France they would have been better yesterday.
I'm happy Scotland didn't get the wooden spoon, that would have been unfair considering how well they've played this year. Italy have their superb win over France to celebrate - but I suspect that if they had lost against France they would have been better yesterday.
BungalowJumper March 20, 2011 1:43 pm
Good game from both teams and another cracking try-saver from Patterson. Good to see some tries scored by Scotland for a change.
Anonymous March 20, 2011 3:21 pm
Pity they lost. Italy are improving steadily since joining the Magners and will be a force to be reckoned with in years to come. The better team doesn't always win.
Flipje March 20, 2011 4:44 pm
good game I agree....
Happy for Scotland...first try at home since....what? 1 or 2 years?
Parisse is indeed a fantastic player and what an asset will it be be for any team. I hope Italy will build up on this year results for the WC....
Richie Gray, man of the match, I believed.....hope this will mean MVP for the tournament!!!!!
Go Richie!!!!
Ps: nice one from Patterson....great save once again!!!!
Happy for Scotland...first try at home since....what? 1 or 2 years?
Parisse is indeed a fantastic player and what an asset will it be be for any team. I hope Italy will build up on this year results for the WC....
Richie Gray, man of the match, I believed.....hope this will mean MVP for the tournament!!!!!
Go Richie!!!!
Ps: nice one from Patterson....great save once again!!!!
No.7 March 20, 2011 5:01 pm
In all honesty this 6N has been a bit of a win for everyone...
~England won the 6N
~Ireland stopped England getting the Grand slam, and got a decent win after a shocking 6N
~Italy beat France (so that should take the sting of the wooden spoon away slightly)
~Scotland played some good rugby throughout and didnt get the wooden spoon.
~The last game for France must have been pretty settling as they ran wales ragged..
~Wales...well..Wales kinda didnt come out so great...although they did beat Ireland...
A few points from saturday, anyone see lee byrne's little diving attempt after he went for the high ball? what a fag.
Also I noticed an English player kick an Irish chap in the backside on the ground after the whistle...would be amusing to see that clip.
Also, as a neutral thought Hook's card was WEAK AS P*SS!!!
~England won the 6N
~Ireland stopped England getting the Grand slam, and got a decent win after a shocking 6N
~Italy beat France (so that should take the sting of the wooden spoon away slightly)
~Scotland played some good rugby throughout and didnt get the wooden spoon.
~The last game for France must have been pretty settling as they ran wales ragged..
~Wales...well..Wales kinda didnt come out so great...although they did beat Ireland...
A few points from saturday, anyone see lee byrne's little diving attempt after he went for the high ball? what a fag.
Also I noticed an English player kick an Irish chap in the backside on the ground after the whistle...would be amusing to see that clip.
Also, as a neutral thought Hook's card was WEAK AS P*SS!!!
Ian M March 20, 2011 9:34 pm
I spotted Byrne. Looks like more of a bloody footballer every day.
I love the fact that Scotland beat Italy, who beat France, who beat Wales, who beat Ireland, who beat England, who beat Scotland, etc. etc.
Just shows the competitiveness of this tournament.
I love the fact that Scotland beat Italy, who beat France, who beat Wales, who beat Ireland, who beat England, who beat Scotland, etc. etc.
Just shows the competitiveness of this tournament.
Marco March 21, 2011 2:15 am
Scotland got the better of he day and handed the wooden spoon to italy.. but I think this is one of the better 6 nations for italy. I cant wait for the world cup and next year 6 nations . I disagree with you gavin.. Italy looked flat all game. They lost it rather than scotland winning it. But that is why we play the game.. oh well still happy Italy beat the french.
Canadian Content March 21, 2011 2:37 am
Masi looks to have the azzurri 15 jersey locked down.
granite March 21, 2011 5:58 am
Loved the run from the italian 22, great ball handling; changing hands to protect against defenders, then 2 hands on the ball... right up until he decided to pin his ears back and go for it :(
Also, Scottish 14. Have only seen him in these highlights, but is his defence as suspect as the italian try suggests? Seems like a bit of a wrecking ball, the way he got in for his own try.
Also, Scottish 14. Have only seen him in these highlights, but is his defence as suspect as the italian try suggests? Seems like a bit of a wrecking ball, the way he got in for his own try.
Nick March 21, 2011 10:02 am
Ian, I think you're right, this is the most competitive this competition has been in a long time. Each team got a fairly decent pounding at some point in the competition but the majority of the games were quite close.
The only negative going into a World cup is that each team has a lot to work on and each team has an obvious area of weakness that's going to be exploited. Ironically, considering their final position I reckon the Scots and the Italian have showed the most progression and development over the past 12 months, which is pretty impressive considering there influence at club level and the resources they have to work with.
The only negative going into a World cup is that each team has a lot to work on and each team has an obvious area of weakness that's going to be exploited. Ironically, considering their final position I reckon the Scots and the Italian have showed the most progression and development over the past 12 months, which is pretty impressive considering there influence at club level and the resources they have to work with.
Disco March 21, 2011 10:22 am
This was like an old-school Five Nations tournament (with Italy showing why it's now 6).
There was little champagne rugby with England playing probably the most attractive style in the tournament and I'm not sure many people in the SH will be quaking in their boots but this championship, particularly the Italy-France and Ireland-England matches, showed how rugby has not really changed over the decades. The will to win on the day (and manic aggression) still weigh more than anything learned through video analysis or the amount of cash a union has in its coffers.
Loved it and have enjoyed following it on Rugbydump during those midweek moments when Saturday has seemed lightyears away. Thanks RD.
There was little champagne rugby with England playing probably the most attractive style in the tournament and I'm not sure many people in the SH will be quaking in their boots but this championship, particularly the Italy-France and Ireland-England matches, showed how rugby has not really changed over the decades. The will to win on the day (and manic aggression) still weigh more than anything learned through video analysis or the amount of cash a union has in its coffers.
Loved it and have enjoyed following it on Rugbydump during those midweek moments when Saturday has seemed lightyears away. Thanks RD.
Lucas March 21, 2011 10:28 am
When was the last time Chris Paterson missed two kicks in the same game ? Has it ever happened ?
Commenting as Guest | Register or Login