Steady Hodge saves Scots pride

Ian McGeechan praised his pack and half-backs as the architects of Scotland's nerve-jangling Six Nations win over Italy at Murrayfield.

For once, the Scots could rely on their goalkicker as Edinburgh Reivers stand-off Duncan Hodge struck five penalties and a drop-goal.

Man-of-the-match Mauro Bergamasco scored a fine try to help Italy towards a surprise 10-6 half-time lead, but McGeechan insisted: 'Our pack and half-backs did very well in controlling where the game was played - mostly in their half.

'I was delighted with Duncan, I thought he kicked very well. We have got ourselves into trouble in the past because we didn't benefit from our good rugby by missing kicks.'

Winger Kenny Logan's frailties with the boot had cost them victory against Wales.

Prop Tom Smith claimed Scotland's only touchdown yesterday.