Head coach Matt Williams praised the courage of his players after Scotland's 35-15 defeat to Australia. "I thought there were a lot of positives from our performance," said Australian native Williams.
"I am just very disappointed about the last 14 points I think we gifted them after so much hard work.
"I thought we started very nervous and almost after 20 minutes you saw the players grow in confidence, thinking 'We can do this'."
Australia were leading 13-0 after a try from Matt Giteau when Scotland took control of the game in the second quarter and Sydney-born fly-half Dan Parks landed four penalties to ensure his adopted nation were deservedly in touch at the interval.
The Wallabies cranked up the pressure after half-time, Lote Tuqiri struck twice and Wendell Sailor rounded off the scoring with a soft try in the closing minutes.
 |  We have had a tough year and it is small steps at the moment |
"I thought there was great courage and organisation in our defence," added Williams. "The last 20 minutes of the first half we controlled the match and fought our way back into it.
"It's a self-belief issue. We kept defending and defending and when we got the ball we rushed, lost a bit of composure and couldn't accumulate any more points.
"I thought we kept defending so courageously and with real organisation and it is just disappointing the last 14 points were really soft.
"I don't think it was a reflection of the efforts for the rest of the game, especially Wendell Sailor's last try."
Scotland prop Tom Smith also saluted his side's first display in the two Test series. "We were pretty happy with the first half," Smith said. "It was really encouraging for us.
"We were a bit disappointed by the end to have leaked so many points, but it was certainly a start.
"We have had a tough year and it is small steps at the moment. The game plan was going well but Australia tightened up a bit in the second half and closed the holes.
"We had to change a bit and we didn't quite adapt."
There were a number of good performers for Scotland, with full-back Hugo Southwell catching the eye.
"I thought Hugo Southwell had an outstanding game, I thought (flanker) Donnie MacFadyen had a very good game," continued Williams. "No-one on the field played poorly.
"The backs are just growing in confidence at the pace of international rugby and that takes a little bit of time."
MMIX
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