Taylor hails Scots after scrappy win

Scotland forward Simon Taylor hailed this win, their first of this championship - even though it was scrappy.

Matt Williams' side were poor in the first half against Italy at a tense Murrayfield. But an improved second-half showing saw the Scots secure victory with six Chris Paterson penalties. Kicking from hand by Dan Parks, under pressure for his place following a dismal display against Ireland, was key to Scotland's improvement after the break, though it was met with jeers by the Murrayfield crowd.

But Taylor, who returned recently from a serious knee injury, said:'The main thing was that we won. It wasn't a good game to watch but we followed our tactics well. We were desperate for a win and so were they and it made everyone play hoping they wouldn't make a mistake.' The Edinburgh backrow man was, however, quick to admit there is plenty of room for improvement ahead of the visit of Wales in a fortnight.

He said:'We definitely need to improve our ball retention against Wales.' Taylor, one of Scotland's few worldclass players, suffered his injury against Ireland last March and was only able to face Italy after a short loan spell with Saracens to get himself match-fit.

He said:'I don't think I was particularly brilliant or anything, but it was just enjoyable to get back out there again.'