Keep on Running: Italy leave Scotland at the foot of the table in Six Nations
Johnnie Beattie has admitted that Italy were “a nightmare to play against” as Scotland suffered a 16-12 loss to the Azzurri in Rome. However, the Scotland forward believes it is no longer a shock result to lose to the Italians who have come a long way in the sport.
Scotland lost for the fourth time in six Six Nations matches in Rome. The match was Beattie’s first against the Italians, but his side were sent home defeated from the Stadio Flaminio.
"It's been tough for me as a fan watching Scottish teams come over and get beaten, and it's horrible," said the number eight.
"But [Italy] have come through and developed so much as a nation, a rugby nation.
"They've got better every year as youths and you can see a couple of those guys coming through and getting caps in the full team."
Nevertheless, Beattie accepted the blame lay firmly with Scotland after wasting their possession and territory advantage.
"We got in their 22 a ton of times and struggled to convert,” he added.
"We've got to just keep pushing and keep playing the way we're training. We nearly got across twice, it just wasn't to be."
Beattie admitted Scotland had a poor start to the game as the fought to put their first points on the board.
"I can't even remember the first 10 minutes," the forward said of the period in which Scotland fell 6-0 behind.
"It's not the way you want to go out and start a game - we know that.
"But it's not like we go out there with an attitude to go and do that."
The 24-year-old Glasgow star, who earned his 10th cap in Rome, improved significantly after half-time, but that did not stop head coach Andy Robinson hauling him off. Beattie will now have to fight for his place in the starting line-up, especially with the crucial Calcutta Cup match against England less than two weeks away, which could see the Scots take the wooden spoon.
He added: "I'm just going to work myself hard and look forward to the next game. If I get the chance, I get the chance."
