Williams looks to long term

Ireland's attacking rugby was too good for Scotland

Scotland coach Matt Williams believes Triple Crown winners Ireland are the benchmark for his under-achieving side.

Williams watched his side beaten well by the Irish on Saturday and admits there is a huge gulf between the teams.

But while he accepts there remains a lot of work to be done, he is upbeat about the future of Scottish rugby.

"We can take heart from Saturday because Ireland have had a plan in place for five years and now they're reaping the rewards of that," he said.

"When I sat down with Chris Paterson and asked him to take up the captaincy, I told him that I thought it was going to be a very hard 18 months ahead of us. Next year is going to be tough as well.

"But you don't just change immediately and reach the standard they have set overnight. Winning is a science - that Irish performance is no accident. We have to follow the same plan as them - there is no other way.

"We're on the same path. Whether we won or lost on Saturday is irrelevant to the fact that now the process of developing the team begins again."

D'Arcy has been in exceptional form

Williams arrived at Scotland havng spent three years with Leinster, where he first encountered Gordon D'Arcy, the gifted 24-year-old centre whose try-double on Saturday helped plot Scotland's downfall.

D'Arcy, named man of the match, has earned a fine reputation during the championship following a series of dynamic displays and Williams believes his is a classic case of the benefits of a long-term strategy.

"Two years ago people wouldn't give Gordon a contract and I had to fight to get him one with Leinster. He has developed for four years and now he's winning man of the match awards," added Williams.

"Many times people wanted him out, but I fought for him and I'm delighted he did what he did against us on Saturday. He's worked very hard and had to change his attitude after losing his way for a while. Success like that takes time and is not instantaneous.

"Also look at the improvement in Shane Byrne - he's probably hooker of the tournament but had to wait 10 years to get a regular start for Ireland. The process is going to take time.

"I have a very good group of young men who work hard and do everything I ask of them, but that still doesn't give you the wins in the short term. The wins will come, but not immediately.

"Our playing numbers are small but there is talent around. What we have to do is maximise that talent."