Cotter calls for further improvement

There was no danger of Scotland coach Vern Cotter getting carried away despite his side's improved display against Ireland in Dublin.

Scotland coach Vern Cotter insisted that his side still have plenty of work to do despite a vastly improved performance in Saturday's World Cup warm-up against Ireland.

The visitors eventually lost 28-22 in Dublin, having led the hosts on several occasions and scored three well-worked tries through Blair Cowan, Henry Pyrgos and Peter Horne.

Cotter, however, was quick to point out that he felt it was a mixed display from a Scottish side that remains winless in 2015.

"There was good and bad," he said.

"The good was the we got ourselves in front a couple of times, the bad was that we couldn't stay in front and there were a number of reasons for that.

"We need to improve in all facets really. We contested well against a very good team, but we know that we've got a lot more work to do.

"We orchestrated our own demise really and we need do a couple of things better after long phases of play.

"We got back into the game after a slow start and that was a positive and the guys showed a bit more composure."

Cotter's mood would not have been improved by the sight of both Jon Welsh and Ryan Grant being forced to leave the field through injury.

It remains to be seen whether either of the front-rowers will be available for next week's clash with Italy in Turin.