Going close not enough for steadily improving Scotland

Scotland put on a mightily brave display as they held New Zealand at bay for large chunks at Murrayfield, before losing 24-16.

They even had a chance to put themselves on the brink of victory but saw skipper Greig Laidlaw pull his penalty wide before the all-conquering All Blacks stormed downfield to score the try which put the game out of sight.

There were clear signs of progress in Vern Cotter’s young side as they came within 10 points of the All Blacks for the first time in 23 years.

However, Seymour – who scored his second intercept try in as many weeks to put the hosts 7-5 up after 12 minutes – insists if Scotland are just happy to come close, they will never find that elusive win. He said: “We have got to stop being a side that allows itself to take positives when you lose to the best team, because if you do that you start drawing lines that you can’t cross.”

Fiji star Nikola Matawalu believes the South Sea Islanders can make an impact at next year’s World Cup.

Matawalu and company will find themselves in a so-called pool of death alongside host nation England, Australia and Wales. But the Fijians, despite having prop Campese Ma’afu sent off after 53 minutes, ran Wales perilously close at the Millennium Stadium before suffering a 17-13 defeat.

Matawalu said: “If we can have time to prepare, like a month, then we can make a difference in that pool. The World Cup is a different level, and any team can beat any team.”

Ireland coasted to a six-try, 49-7 victory over Georgia in a Dublin clash marred by an unpunished stamp to debutant Dominic Ryan’s face.

The hosts were left incensed by flanker Viktor Kolelishvili bringing his boot down on back-rower Ryan’s face but captain Eoin Reddan’s complaints went unheeded. Felix Jones claimed a brace and Dave Kilcoyne, Richardt Strauss, Simon Zebo and Stuart Olding all crossed, with Giorgi Nemsadze responding for Georgia.