Scotland have caught the eye in this Six Nations as they fast become one of the best sides in the world.
The Scots head south on Sunday to face the “Auld Enemy”, England, at Twickenham, before a round five meeting with Italy. It’s been a long time between drinks for those in blue and white, nine long years since they defeated England and 34 years since they beat them in south-west London.
On paper, Eddie Jones’ men are clear favourites in this match. England are ranked second in the world, just below world champions New Zealand, and are on an amazing run of 17 consecutive victories.
Under the Australian England have been revitalised since their embarrassing 2015 World Cup exit, playing with power and panache, backed by squad depth that is arguably unmarked in world rugby.
But that tournament on home soil wasn’t just a turning point for England, but one for Scotland as well. Led by their Antipodean marvel in Vern Cotter, the Scots are on their own remarkable rise up the world rugby tree.
In that World Cup the Scots fought and scratched Australia at all the way in the quarter-finals, only to be robbed by an incorrect last-minute refereeing decision.
It was a bitter pill for Cotter and his players to swallow but something they have used to help drive their team’s transformation in the past 18 months.
For years focused on conservative tactics and 10-man rugby, the Scottish team of today can now mix styles with anyone. In Finn Russell they have a playmaker who can make his backline hum, spreading the ball with purpose and precision.
In Stuart Hogg they have a world-class fullback, who is both quick and elusive, who will be undoubtedly on Lions duties later this year. In Greig Laidlaw they have a smart, sniping scrum-half who gets his forwards moving and is clinical from the boot.
Up front they have a rangy, gritty pack that can match it with the best. Tough in the scrums, strong in the lineout, with the right blend of size and work-rate, it is in the breakdown where Scotland have improved and in general their whole play has thrived as a result.
No longer content to constantly kick possession away and try and force mistakes from their opponents in a one-dimensional northern hemisphere manner, now the Scotland run exquisite backline moves and attack with skill and daring from all over the field.
Along with this eye-catching attacking style of play has been the results to back it up – in the 2016 Six Nations fourth place after finishing sixth in 2015, with impressive victories over France and Italy along the way.
They followed that up in the autumn internationals last year with wins against Argentina and Georgia. Scotland was pipped by the Wallabies again, this time by a point in Edinburgh, but showed their growing class and confidence against the World Cup finalists.
This year the resurgence has continued at pace. Ireland were stunned at Murrayfield in round one 27-22, courtesy of a first-half blitz.
Scotland came undone against France in round two, a six-point loss in Paris, but it was a game that they were right in until full-time. At no point were they outclassed or outmatched.
In round three they knocked off Wales at home, a comprehensive 29-13 victory that ended a decade of defeats at the hands of the Welsh.
That victory catapulted the Scots up to fifth in the world rankings, in front of South Africa, France and Wales, and the highest they have ever been.
It’s been some ride for Scotland in the past two years, under the brilliant leadership of Kiwi coach Cotter.
Appointed in 2014 to replace Scott Johnson, the 55-year old has been a revelation. Passionate, determined, experienced, Cotter has breathed new life into the national team.
In three years ‘Stern Vern’ has led Scottish rugby out of the doldrums and into the 21st century. They are no longer easybeats. It puzzles the mind why the New Zealander is leaving his post this June, with Gregor Townsend taking over, while his fantastic mission is not yet completed.
Fans are already petitioning the Scottish Rugby Union to reinstate him, however that appears unlikely.
With history made and two Six Nations games left, the question remains given the chance how far further could Scotland go under Vern Cotter?
