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:
9. Ben White - 7
The man who got Antoine Dupont rattled was exceptional in managing the games when Scotland were ahead. The number nine led the retained kick charts for the entire tournament. | SNS Group
10. Finn Russell - 8
Scotland's talisman showcased time and time again his midas touch, whether it be with ball in hand or with the boot. Whether it be the quick-thinking restart against Wales or the slap pass to Huw Jones in the Calcutta Cup - he was instrumental. | SNS Group
11. Kyle Steyn - 9
He may not have the sublime finishing ability of Louis Bielle Biarrey or the power of Rob Baloucoune, but as an all-round winger, Steyn is right up there in terms of the competition's best. An influential figure out wide for Scotland during the championship, who has firmly cemented his place in the starting XV ahead of British and Irish Lion, Duhan Van der Merwe. | Getty Images
12. Sione Tuipulotu - 7
A frustrating end to the campaign for the captain, who missed out on the Triple Crown after lifting the Calcutta Cup, Doddie Weir Cup and Auld Alliance Trophy. Not his best campaign on a personal level but his passion and leadership skills cannot be questioned. | SNS Group / SRU