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Scotland finish huge rugby year on a high

Scotland have completed their best year in international rugby since 2002 with an annihilation of Georgia.

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw says there is still plenty more to come from his side after they comprehensively beat Georgia 43-16 at Rugby Park.

The hosts were dominant for large parts in Kilmarnock and led 31-11 at halftime thanks to tries from Tommy Seymour, Sean Maitland, Stuart Hogg and a penalty try.

Laidlaw kicked 11 first-half points and added a further two in the second period, while Hamish Watson and Hogg also crossed after the break.

Vasil Lobzhanidze managed to touch down twice for Georgia, with Merab Kvirikashvili adding a further two penalties, but it was little consolation for Milton Haig's troops.

"It was a nice win," said Laidlaw, who was speaking on BBC 1.

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"We scored 43 points and a lot of good tries against a tough Georgia side.

"I am pleased with our attack and the way we are scoring points and causing teams problems."

It has been a strong end to 2016 for Scotland, who will finish a calendar year with more wins than losses for the first time since 2010.

Vern Cotter's side also secured successive home victories for the first time since February 2013 after beating Argentina 19-16 last weekend.

Having run Australia close two weeks ago as well in a narrow 23-22 defeat, Laidlaw believes Scotland are making progress, but is refusing to rest on his laurels.

The scrum-half added: "In the Australia and Argentina games we did a lot of great things.

"Our defence has taken a step forward as well, we haven't conceded too many points, but there's always things to work on."

Ryan Wilson, who was voted man of the match, echoed his captain's views and is already looking forward to the 2017 Six Nations campaign.

"It was good fun, but it was hard work, Wilson said.

"We knew how tough they would be, they came out and put some big shots in and they have some big boys out there, but it was a great win in front of a great crowd.

"The first two games against Australia and Argentina have been so tight, things started to come together today and it is a tribute to the hard work the boys have put in."


3 min read

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Source: AAP



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