Italy boss off the mark in style

Jacques Brunel's first victory as Italian coach was particularly satisfying as the win over Scotland meant that the Azzurri avoided the Six Nations Wooden Spoon for the first time since 2007.

The tense 13-6 victory in Rome meant Scotland finished bottom of the Six Nations for the first time since 2007 and suffered their first whitewash since 2004, heaping pressure on coach Andy Robinson, whose side have now lost seven matches in a row.

"In the last two games (Scotland were beaten 32-14 by Ireland last weekend) we've not been up to the standard we were in the first three and that's a disappointment," Robinson told the BBC.

Giovanbattista Venditti scored the only try of the game, his second in four appearances for the Azzurri.

"That (the win) feels good. We've had enough good matches in this tournament, we only just lost against England here at the (Stadio) Olimpico for example," Italy captain Sergio Parisse enthused.

"Today we had possession of the ball, I think we deserved the win. We were a little bit afraid at half-time because they came into our half for 30 seconds and scored three points. But we won. It's good for Jacques (Brunel)," he added.

AFP