Scotland scored two tries and slotted a drop goal with time up to snatch a 21-20 victory from Italy in Rome on Saturday afternoon. Duncan Weir took his team into the lead at the death in what has become the yearly battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Alex Dunbar scored twice for the visitors, while Tommy Allan and Joshua Furno scored for Italy as they looked on course for their first win of the campaign. Weir’s calm head under pressure broke the hearts of all at the Stadio Olimpico. He said he was ‘absoultely delighted’ with the kick.
“It’s the first time I have dropped a goal for Scotland and it has never been more important.
“In those pressure moments you can only focus on your routine. I made sure I got my ball drop right and got a clean connection. I’m just so thankful it went over.
“I ran off celebrating, going off my head. It was an immense feeling. I had no doubts about taking it on. Chris Cusiter put it on a plate for me, on the right side of my body. The whole thing went perfectly,” added Weir.
Despite Weir’s confidence in his own ability, Scotland coach Scott Johnson said he was surprised.
“I’ve been watching him in training for the three weeks and he hasn’t looked like kicking one. I was delighted for him, because his is a position that carries a lot of responsibility. I seen some growth in the lad and I’m so pleased for him,” Johnson said.
“We can’t get carried away with a win that could have gone the other way. We got a little bit of luck but we showed great resolve. But it won’t mean a lot if we don’t put on a show against France.”
Scotland play France at Murrayfield in two week’s time, while Italy travel to Dublin to play Ireland.
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