The mood among the Scottish media after the USA pulled out a 30-29 victory over Scotland on Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston was professional, even complimentary. But underneath they knew the reasons for the result, and it had little to do with how well the Eagles had played.

Were you overconfident in starting so many young players? Did you leave too many experienced players home? Should you have chopped and changed so much from the Canada game? 

The Scotland squad are checked in and set for takeoff, Argentina-bound for our third and final summer tour Test #AsOne ? ?? ??????? pic.twitter.com/M2PqvOCFEy

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) June 18, 2018

Selections, selections, selections. Young players screwed up. It was a fair criticism of Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend, and for the most part, he took it calmly and instead discussed the game overall. At the same time, the fans were more understanding, so here are fan tweets juxtaposed with Scotland comments.

Well played @RugbyUSA_ ???. Certainly could be dark horses in the World Cup. Their stand off was outstanding. Scotland learned a few lessons and we’ll be better for it. ?????????????????????

— Rona Train (@Rugbyrona) June 17, 2018

"We gave them momentum... and displayed some ill-discipline," Townsend said. "A couple of penalties game them field position and they had a lot of possession in that area. And we gave up a try on an error, which will happen in those conditions."

Townsend said the penalties might have been worse in the first half but actually cost his team more in the second half. Not mentioned was that the USA's AJ MacGinty was perfect on three conversions and three penalties, none of which were easy, and most of which were very difficult.

Oor young uns found Trumps wall... spent all night trying to get round, under and over it... all they found were American eagles flying high.. well done USA, a great result for you regardless of who was on our team sheet ??????????

— Keith Lawrie (@KeithLawrie2) June 17, 2018

What did Townsend blame on youth? Over-eagerness that led to offside penalties. He also made it plain that some players might have played themselves out of the lineup set to face Argentina.

And the USA team? There was another group of 15 on the field, and it was like pulling teeth to get Townsend and captain Stuart Hogg to acknowledge that. Finally, Hogg did just that.

Just finishing the game now. Not great but not the worst I've ever watched and they fought like heck for that last try! Only 1 point in it and could have been the other way had BK made the kick
Lots of young lads at the start of their intl career, can only get better #backingblue

— Lynsay (@princess_ljd) June 17, 2018

"They showed us a solid [defensive] line and we found it tough to get through it," said Hogg, only to slide back into self-reflection. "And maybe we didn't work hard enough to get into our shape and probably went four or five phases too many without kicking."

Not sure where the benefits were expected to accrue, in taking this match on with this lineup, either way, it was inept, youngsters need another few years at school,,well done US.

— Brian Sweeney (@Firemaster4009) June 17, 2018

Townsend concluded, "We'll live with that disappointment." 

But the evidence isn't quite there. While the Scotland fans were acknowledging to a certain extent that the USA played well, and it was, after all, a hugely entertaining rugby game, Scotland pushed aside a time-honored tradition and left the stadium without attending the post-match function.

The USA team was left to celebrate the game on its own, which is where that team has been most of the time anyway.