Georgia scrap to stay in touch with Scotland

Scotland had the best of the play but struggled to score against a resilient Georgian team in the first half of their Pool B match at Rugby Park Stadium to lead 9-3.

Georgia started the match running hard and direct at the Scotland line and made good ground until on five minutes they attempted to open the scoring with a drop goal attempt by Georgian fly half Merab Kvirikashvilli from 20 metres straight out in front but the kick went wide.

Having shown they were keen to stamp a physical presence on the game Georgia put Scotland on notice on 15 minutes with a great breakout on the short side after a scrum that saw Alexander Todua make 30 metres before being dragged down.

Shortly after Georgia were awarded a penalty just inside their half and a powerful long-range shot by Kvirikashvilli sailed over for first points.

From the restart Scotland made quick ground and won a penalty on the 22, which Dan Parks fluffed after slipping on the wet surface.

Scotland again surged forward before another penalty 10m out straight in front. This time Parks made no mistake.

Scotland's kicking game was causing Georgia problems and Parks had another chance moments later but missed from just over the halfway mark.

Both sides made good breaks but Scotland eventually got the territorial advantage to give Parks the chance to land his second successful penalty to make it 6-3 with just under 10 minutes to go in the half.

More Scottish pressure and territorial gain allowed Parks to land a drop goal from about 20m with just a minute to play to make the scores 9-3.