Scotland/Italy: Johnstone reflects on more Italian indiscipline

Italy coach Brad Johnstone refused to comment on the performance of French referee Joel Dume in the defeat to Scotland.

But he did say that the second half sin-binning of number eight Carlo Checchinato had changed the game.

The 23-19 reverse leaves Italy with no wins from their opening four matches.

"We talk about our discipline all the time and we are working on it," added the Kiwi.

"But the boys have moments when they see the ball, think it is out of a ruck and go for it.

"The sin-binning turned the game but I don't want to make an issue of it. We will only get him again next year."

At least Johnstone could reflect on Mauro Bergamasco's brilliant try, when he broke through Gregor Townsend's weak tackle before racing past Bryan Redpath and Chris Paterson from the halfway line.

"It reminded me of the one Ian Kirkpatrick got for New Zealand against the Lions in the 1970s," he smiled.

"It was an excellent effort from a player who has a very big future.

"We played better rugby than we did today for 30 minutes against England but overall it was our best performance of the campaign.

"I wouldn't say we were unlucky because you have to give Scotland credit but there are a lot of positives we can take out of that and hopefully we can transfer that into a victory when we play Wales in a fortnight."