Hadden orders more aggression
Scotland coach remains positive
Scotland coach Frank Hadden is refusing to be downbeat as he begins preparations for the second Test against South Africa after the 36-16 defeat in Durban.
The Scots were stretched for lengthy periods of the match at the ABSA Stadium where tries from Schalk Burger, Breyton Paulse, Andre Snyman and Percy Montgomery helped the Springboks to a comfortable win.
Hadden's team had travelled to South Africa full of confidence after Six Nations wins over France, England and Italy plus the 66-19 triumph over the Barbarians last month.
But Scotland were brought crashing back to earth as the powerful display of Jake White's team threatened to overrun the visitors.
However, former Edinburgh Gunners head coach Hadden insists his team are still learning ahead of the Rugby World Cup next year.
"For our young international side, it is a fantastic learning experience," he said.
"We will make a careful note of what happened and put it to good use next week.
"I felt we could have done better in coping with the South African pack, but credit to them, they were a big bunch of lads and they were fired up.
"I don't see this as a heavy blow because it was within the range of possible performances – it would be a worry if it was outside that range."
But Hadden conceded a lack of aggression from his team had helped cause their downfall in Durban.
"I would have preferred if our defence had been a bit more aggressive," he said.
"I think we allowed them too many offloads during the afternoon which allowed them to get into a bit of a rhythm.
"It is easier when you are more than a stone-a-man lighter to be playing at home, but we like it tough and that is what we expect when we come on a trip like this."
Replacement wing Simon Webster scored a late consolation try for Scotland, while Chris Paterson claimed 11 points with the boot to give the travelling squad some hope for next weekend.
