Job done for Scotland
It was a case of job done for Scotland as they overcame Georgia 15-6 at a wet and windy Rugby Park.
By Tony Curtis - Twitter: @SkySportsTC
Last Updated: 14/09/11 11:41am
It was a case of job done for Scotland as they overcame Georgia 15-6 at a wet and windy Rugby Park.
In an uncompromising encounter, Scotland were able to silence the powerful Georgians - particularly up front - without ever reaching top gear.
The return of Euan Murray helped to shore up the Scottish scrum, while they counter-rucked superbly and the back division were lively throughout.
Dan Parks overcame some nervy moments with the boot to land 15 points.
Georgia, coached by Scot Richie Dixon, will be disappointed with the result as they worked tirelessly in defence but were let down by their discipline and a lack of creativity behind the pack.
Merab Kvirikashvili landed their only points with a penalty in each half.
Kvirikashvili, who had earlier seen a drop goal attempt sail wide, had put Georgia in front with a mammoth penalty effort from his own half after 17 minutes.
Scotland had an immediate chance to level, but Parks drilled his effort to the left of the sticks. The Scotland No.10 made no mistake two minutes later, though.
Struggling
Parks was off-target again on 27 minutes - but he made amends with a good effort from the touchline and then a drop goal just before the break.
Parks, though, was spared blushes when his attempt to clear to touch to end the half rebounded off one of his own players but fortunately he was able to regather the loose ball.
In worsening conditions after the break, the game lost its structure with both sides struggling to get a foothold.
Scotland dominated territory and possession but they were guilty of failing to look after the ball - with a number of handling errors.
The lack of creativity in the Georgia back division, though, was highlighted when, after their first spell of pressure in the second half, Kvirikashvili scuffed woeful drop goal attempt
The effects of their defensive efforts began to tell on the Georgians, with a number of players going down with injuries.
Parks attempted to break the second-half deadlock with a 50m effort, but the effort sailed just wide.
However Rory Lamont, a livewire throughout, produced a rare bright moment when his mesmerising run almost produced a try - only for the cover defence to arrive just in time.
Parks looked to give Scotland some security when he chipped over a penalty with 10 minutes left - but Kvirikashvili responded with a three-pointer of his own immediately after the restart.
However Parks landed his fourth penalty of the match in the final five minutes to put the game beyond the Georgians.