With torrential rain falling all through, dealing with errors had been a theme for each side, however Italy’s medical edge within the opening phases and their superior set-piece proved to be the distinction.

Scotland’s beginning hooker Ewan Ashman had a torrid time on the lineout, with Scotland dropping 5 of their very own throws.

The brand new-look again three of Glasgow wingers Jamie Dobie and Kyle Steyn – and makeshift full-back Tom Jordan – had been left wanting for each Italy tries.

Far an excessive amount of house was left for Louis Lynagh’s opening rating earlier than the Benetton winger beat Dobie within the air moments earlier than Tommaso Menoncello raced over within the different nook.

“Clearly, the fellows are very disenchanted,” Townsend added. “The hassle was there. A whole lot of what we skilled was in place. We simply gave away too many possessions.

“We simply weren’t in a position to rating extra factors within the first half. It was extraordinarily troublesome the second half however the effort the gamers put in was super simply not sufficient to win the sport.

“We should not have allow them to get forward. They acquired a few breakaway tries. We had alternatives we did not take after which it made it powerful after that.”

Regardless of the virtually unimaginable circumstances, BBC pundits unanimously agreed Italy handled them higher.

“Each groups had been taking part in in the identical circumstances,” former Scotland captain John Barclay mentioned.

“The important thing moments within the sport, Italy acquired on the proper facet of these.”

“Italy’s begin gave them the win,” former England skipper Martin Johnson agreed.

“The sport was nearly unplayable, it was that moist. In the event you compound errors like Scotland did, you are going to be in hassle.”