In a nail-biting Six Nations Championship that literally went down to the final kick, Scotland held their own against some of the world’s best, but in the end finished third despite a huge degree of expectation.
From the disastrous start in the Rome rain, Scotland’s tournament looked to be over before it even started but after a dominant Calcutta Cup display, a tenacious triumph in Wales and a bonkers try-scoring exhibition against France, Gregor Townsend’s men gave themselves a chance of glory going in the last game, where they inevitably fell short against Ireland.
A win against eventual champions France was perhaps the highlight of the competition, but the Ireland humbling, not for the first time, raised doubts about how high this team’s ceiling actually is. After three wins and two defeats, here’s how we rated Scotland’s most used XV in the competition as well as the Coach:
5. Gregor Brown - 6
A standout in the Autumn tests but wasn't always able to make his presence felt in the Six Nations campaign, although his versatility will be a major asset for Gregor Townsend in future tests. | SNS Group
6. Matt Fagerson - 7
A Warrior in the Scotland team, literally. He never stopped running, tackling or carrying in all five matches he was involved in. He already has 57 caps at the age on 27 and is set for many, many more. | SNS Group / SRU
7. Rory Darge - 8
The vice captain was an absolute pest for Scotland's opponents in the ruck and won countless penalties for his side. He won the joint-most turnovers in the entire Championship with eight. | Getty Images
8. Jack Dempsey - 8
The number eight was by far Scotland's standout forward with several monumental carries throughout the campaign. Would've been on for a 9/10 had it not been for a late dip against Ireland. | Getty Images