Scots break Six Nations losing-streak with victory over Azzuri

Scotland successfully brushed aside a combative Italy with a competent display of defensive resolve and attacking flair, ending the encounter with a convincing 26-6 win.

The win comes just in time for national coach Frank Hadden who has come under increasing pressure after successive defeats to Wales and France.

The visitors constantly attempted to draw the Scots into a scrappy up-front battle, however the power and pace of the new-look Scottish backline ultimately proved too strong for the Italians. Simon Danielli and Scott Gray crossed the line for the home side with Godman and Paterson adding the rest from the boot.

The home side opened the game looking assured in possession and successfully dominated the Italians territorially. They managed to convert this superiority into points and open up a quick 6-0 lead when Chris Paterson kicked two penalties whilst on as a temporary blood substitution for Phil Godman.

Despite this early lead the Scots were finding it hard to break through the forwards with the visitors successfully disrupting and slowing down Scots ball around the contact area. Azzuri skipper and back-row Sergio Parisse brought the score to 6-3 with a well executed drop goal.

Godman continued his erratic kicking form with a missed penalty and drop goal attempt before finally landing a penalty and converting Danielli’s try before half time. The wing crossed the try line after clinically finishing an organised backs move off a lineout. Danielli took the ball at pace to cut through the first line of defence then used his speed to round Italian full-back, Andrea Mercato.

Although Mercato was left red-faced by the superior pace of Danielli, both he and stand-off Luke McLean looked more than capable of handling the barrage of ball fielded to them by the home side. Before the match, much had been made of their international inexperience with them having 13 and 5 caps respectively. Scotland looked to exploit this, but woeful kicking from Hugo Southwell, Mike Blair and Godman failed to put the youngsters under any real pressure.

With the half-time score at 16-3, Scotland appeared to be in full control of the match and looked certain to add to their tally after the break through their back division. Danielli, Max Evans and Thom Evans all looked dangerous for the home side with the Scottish fans finally feeling their national team had a back line that was capable of threatening the opposition’s defence.

The second half was a largely dull affair, with a McLean penalty being the only event of note in the first 25 minutes. Although the score line was still tight at 16-6, both teams, as well as the crowd, sensed the match was all but over. Despite this, the Scots continued to exert pressure on the visitors’ defence and create scoring opportunities.

Coming on to win his 6th cap, Gray provided the back row with fresh impetus and it was his strong support play that earned him his first Scotland try. Danielli and Max Evans combined to split the Italian defence before Thom Evans offloaded to Gray a yard from the line for an easy score. Paterson added the extras before finishing the scoring with a penalty 6 minutes later.

After the game, man-of-the-match Danielli commented that he was happy to be given another chance in the team.

“It just feels good to be out there playing, getting opportunities. Obviously, when you've had a run of injuries and there's really good the strength in depth, you've just got to bide your time,” he said.

With the first win secured and the table having been blown open with English and Welsh defeats at the weekend, Hadden remains optimistic about his sides remaining games. Next up are potential grand-slam and championship winners Ireland.

Hadden said, “We're delighted to be playing them at home as they are playing exceptionally well,” adding, “We could do with a good result against Ireland and that could make for an interesting couple of weeks. People said you need one win - a roll starts with just one win.”