Scots’ lack of discipline frustrates Townsend

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend blamed poor discipline as his side became the first tier one nation to suffer defeat by the United States, after they surrendered a 24-13 halftime advantage in Houston.

Townsend felt Scotland handed the game to the Americans. “We gave them momentum in that third quarter through ill discipline. A couple of penalties gave them field position.”

Blair Kinghorn gave Scotland an early lead with a second-minute try and they were also awarded a penalty try, before George Turner breached the home defence to help the tourists build a 21-6 lead.

Joe Taufete’e crossed for the Americans’ first try two minutes before the break and AJ Macginty added the conversion to his two earlier penalties. After the interval Taufete’e scored a second try and Hanco Germishuys also went over. Macginty converted both, as well as kicking a penalty, as the Eagles took the lead. Dougie Fife gave Scotland hope of snatching victory with a last-gasp try, but Kinghorn could not add the touchline conversion.

Townsend is looking on his team to right the wrongs against Argentina on Saturday. “We have got a week to improve, a week to select a team that we believe can go to Argentina and win,” he said.

The US coach Gary Gold was more pleased with his side’s performance than the result itself. “The character shown was immense,” he said.