Italy 23 Scotland 20:FRANK HADDEN almost quit his job after last year's World Cup, but despite enduring a torrid Six Nations campaign Scotland's coach insists he no longer harbours such thoughts. After a desperate defeat in Rome, Hadden confirmed he will stay on at least until the end of the tour to Argentina this summer.
"We've managed to make steady progress game-on-game," Hadden said, "Where we started in the Six Nations was a very low point and we've progressed throughout this championship."
Given his side only managed to score three tries in the tournament, and that their defeat to Italy was almost entirely the product of their own errors, that seems a questionable assertion. The interception made by Sergio Parisse that led to the try which brought Italy back from 17-10 down was reminiscent of similar mistakes made in the equivalent fixture last year. "I've a lot of optimism for this side," said Hadden, "we've blooded a lot of young players who have great futures ahead. When I look at this squad I think we're not far away from making a serious impact in future competitions."
His optimistic words did not exactly chime with his stoical, weary, body language. The lock Nathan Hines insisted Hadden "can only prepare a team up until Saturday. It's not his fault we failed to control the game." That though does not explain some of Hadden's more baffling decisions - such as why it took so long for Alasdair Strokosch to break into the team. Hadden will be grateful for the grace afforded him by the Scottish for beating England.
Italy needed to win by five points to leapfrog Scotland in the championship table. In possession in the Scottish 22, with the scores tied in the final minute, they opted to drop for goal rather than push on for the try that would spare them the wooden spoon. It was a decision that was in line with Nick Mallett's priorities as coach: his side simply wanted to win.
"It doesn't bother me at all," Mallett said of Italy's position. "I don't see the importance of that because this competition is played to win, and if not then to improve, and that's what we have tried to do. In the Southern Hemisphere, we'd have won bonus points for finishing within seven of Ireland and Italy. That would have put us above Scotland."
Mallett was noticeably emotional, even starting to cry when the whistle blew, "Each year the Six Nations is a challenge for Italy," he added. "I am extremely happy and emotional because I have seen my players work very hard for this win."
Italy are in dire need of a first-rate kicker. Had Andrea Marcato's drop-goal not succeeded, he would surely have been remembered for the two penalties that he missed. And while Biarritz's centre Andrea Masi had his moments at outhalf, he lacks the ability to orchestrate the play behind Italy's pack. Those are future challenges - for the moment Mallett will be happy to enjoy his first win as Italy coach.
ITALY: Marcato; Robertson, Canale, Bergamasco, Galon; Masi, Picone; Lo Cicero, Ghiraldini, Castrogiovanni, Del Fava, Bortolami, Sole, Zanni, Parisse. Replacements: Perugini for Lo Cicero (56 mins), Nieto for Castrogiovanni (57 mins), Travagli for Masi (61 mins), Patrizio for Picone (63 mins), Ongaro for Ghiraldini (68 mins).
SCOTLAND: Southwell; Danielli, Webster, Morrison, Paterson; Parks, Blair; Jacobsen, Thomson, Murray, Hines, Macleod, Strokosch, Hogg, Taylor. Replacements: Henderson for Danielli (5 mins), White for Macleod, Lawson for Thompson (both 52 mins), Smith for Murray, Dickinson for Jacobsen (both 57 mins), Brown for Hogg (70 mins).
Referee: N Owens (Wales).
Attendance: 27,300.
