Six Nations 2026: How Scotland went from the brink of disaster to the brink of glory

Only once before in a Six Nations have Scotland achieved three successive wins. That was in 2020, when they rebounded from losing their first two games.

Jack Dempsey, who had a towering performance against France, said the players fulfilled the promise they made to each other to prove that the win over England was not the only win that had happened in previous seasons.

They pledged to “come out strong” against France and were true to their word.

The old foibles of stopping or withdrawing matches were absent in the three-match series against England, Wales and France.

The scars of past failures seem to have created resilience and belief within the team that has lifted them to new heights.

“The character of the team has been tested,” said Matt Fagerson in the back row.

“I’ve had three-point and two-point games where we didn’t come out on the right side of the score. It really affects confidence.

“In the past, we were a team that was almost there. When those results start going your way and you start getting more confidence, it’s huge for the group. We have a lot of confidence in the team and I think that showed today.”

“Focusing on one game at a time has been a big mantra for this team. There’s only one game to focus on and there’s a lot of them now.”

The trip to Dublin to face Ireland, a team they have not beaten in nine years and 11 attempts, will be a major test of Scotland’s new-found resilience.

“We can’t wait,” Fagerson added. “Ireland, a lot of people are talking about the possibility of losing it.

“But you saw what they did to England at Twickenham [a 42-21 win]. They are still in the top three in the world. They are an incredible team.

“The last game, the Six Nations is on the line. If you can’t get up to that, you’re in the wrong place. We’re very excited.”