The Glasgow Warriors number eight insists the tourists came close to clinching a series-equalling win in the second Test - a victory that would have been only the Scots second ever in the southern hemisphere.

English referee Tony Spreadbury twice ruled out Scottish tries, one for Simon Webster and one for Chris Paterson, which would have put Frank Haddens team in a strong position to go on to stun their hosts.

An eventual 29-15 win for South Africa, following a 36-16 triumph in the first Test, ensured the Scots returned home empty-handed.

However, Petrie, who helped beef up the Scots pack for the second Test, believes they can take great heart from the way they recovered from an insipid showing in the first Test to push the team ranked second in the world as close as they did.

He said: It was disappointing to lose the Tests but South Africa is a difficult place to go and play. Although we didnt do enormously well in the first Test we put in a good performance in the second Test.

That second Test is one that we could - and should - have won. That made it all the more disappointing and it just highlights the fact that weve got to finish off our chances when we get them.

Sometimes the decisions dont go your way, thats professional sport for you. You just have to take it on the chin and get on with it but the second Test bodes well for next year and the World Cup.