The conclusion of another exciting Six Nations tournament has brought with it a reflection on the participating nations, with Scotland now in focus under the guidance of Gregor Townsend.

Reviewing Scotland's performance in the 2024 campaign reveals a sense of déjà vu, with familiar themes playing out in different forms as the rugby world attempts to make sense of a rollercoaster tournament filled with highs and lows. Fans must be feeling frustrated following a team that has shown growth and development without tangible rewards to show for it.

The emphasis on success defined by trophies and medals only adds to the agony despite some crucial wins that hint at their potential as title contenders.

The journey began with a hard-fought victory over Wales in Cardiff, followed by a heart-wrenching loss to France marred by a controversial disallowed try at Murrayfield. However, the team rallied for the Calcutta Cup clash against England, producing a stellar performance led by the dynamic Duhan van der Merwe. Unfortunately, subsequent matches against Italy and Ireland resulted in losses that highlighted the inconsistency plaguing Scotland throughout the tournament.

Key players emerged amidst the ups and downs, with Finn Russell showcasing his maturity and leadership as a co-captain, albeit with concerns about overreliance on his game-breaking abilities. Huw Jones's attacking prowess and Duhan van der Merwe's game-changing abilities were also instrumental, while the emergence of Andy Christie provided a much-needed robust edge to the team.

Despite the positives, Scotland's main regret lies in their inability to close out games, especially evident in their narrow loss to Italy.

The team's lack of a killer instinct to seal victories in crucial moments remains a hurdle they must overcome to elevate their status as genuine title contenders.

In the end, while Scotland may not have brought home the Six Nations title, their success story lies in their memorable Calcutta Cup win and the wealth of talent in their backline options. The team's depth and potential for growth bode well for the future, but addressing their shortcomings in closing out games will be crucial for their ambitions of challenging for top honors in international rugby.

Results:

- Wales vs Scotland (won 26-27)

- Scotland vs France (lost 16-20)

- Scotland vs England (won 30-21)

- Italy vs Scotland (lost 31-29)

- Ireland vs Scotland (lost 17-13)