Mike Blair said the Scots paid dearly for basic mistakes

Scotland captain Mike Blair was left to reflect on a poor end to the Six Nations campaign after losing a seven-point lead against Italy.

Scotland led 17-10 at the break in Rome after converted tries from Ally Hogg and Blair pinned Italy back.

But the Italians had the upper hand in the second half to edge Scotland 23-20.

"We had opportunities in the first half that we could have scored from but didn't because of individual errors and not being clinical enough," said Blair.

Scotland narrowly avoided the Wooden Spoon - which went to Italy due to the Scots' superior points difference.

Things didn't go so well in the second-half Scotland captain Mike Blair

However, Blair, 26, said the Six Nations campaign had proved "massively frustrating" for the Scots.

"Seven points ahead at half-time - it was imperative we scored first after the break," the scrum-half said.

"We managed to get ourselves into positions to do that but the Italians kept their discipline and didn't give away any penalties.

"Those were the points we were looking for."

Blair's 25-yard run from a ruck underneath the posts meant Scotland had scored more tries in 20 minutes in Rome than in their previous seven games.

"Things didn't go so well in the second half as they did in the first half," said Blair.

"A lot of the good stuff came through momentum in the first half, we couldn't quite get that momentum and slightly quicker ball.

"It's frustrating - things we work on in training, and when we get into these positions, it's most important that we hold on to the ball.

"We scored two excellent team tries - we got ourselves in good positions and finished them off.

"It would have been a very impressive win, especially after the England game."