Vern Cotter: 'Scotland scrum improved in second half'

Scotland coach Vern Cotter has praised his team's improvement in the scrum and at the breakdown during the second half of their 28-22 defeat to Ireland on Saturday.

The Scots led in the latter stages at the Aviva Stadium, but were eventually beaten by the Six Nations champions, thanks to a Luke Fitzgerald try.

However, Cotter is adamant that his team can take positives into their remaining warm-up games ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

He is quoted by The Telegraph as saying: "We wanted to improve our scrummaging and had to improve support at the breakdowns. In both those areas there were improvements.

"Our shape got a little better, we got a little more confidence and the territory was pretty even, but game management is one of those things we will look at."

Scotland begin their World Cup campaign against Japan at Kingsholm on September 23.