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:
13. Huw Jones - 7
For the other half of Huwipulotu, he got his customary tries against England, but was kept fairly quiet against Italy and Ireland. Another, like so many, that performed for three of the five matches. | SNS Group
14. Darcy Graham - 7
The Edinburgh winger had to wait patiently for his chance after being benched for the first three games, but his momentum swinging score against Wales showed Gregor Townsend how much of an asset his Duracell bunny can be when at his best. | SNS Group / SRU
15. Blair Kinghorn - 7
A reliable figure for Scotland, renowned for being comfortable under the high ball and his mazy runs. A stellar Championship for the Toulouse fullback once again after being dropped for the opener. Special mention to his fellow 15, Tom Jordan who also played his part. | Getty Images
16. Gregor Townsend - 7
Three wins and two defeats. After Italy it felt as if the whole country was against the Scotland Coach, but the subsequent wins somewhat redeemed the disaster in Rome. Although, at the end of the day, it's another campaign that's passed the Scots by without winning the trophy, with a squad that, by his own admission, is the best he's ever worked with. | AFP via Getty Images