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

Only once before in the Six Nations have Scotland put together three consecutive wins. That was in 2020, when they recovered from losing their opening two games.

Jack Dempsey, a towering performer against France, said the players had fulfilled a promise they made to each other to prove the victory over England was not the one-off it has been in previous seasons.

They vowed to “come out hot” against France and were true to their word.

The old vulnerabilities, of switching off or falling out of matches, have been absent in this three-match sequence against England, Wales and France.

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

“The character of the team has been put to the test,” said back-row Matt Fagerson.

“I’ve been on the end of three-point, two-point games where we’ve not come out on the right side of the result. It really affects confidence.

“In the past, we’ve been a team that’s almost been there. When these results start going your way and you start getting a bit more confidence, it’s huge for the group. We’ve got a lot of belief in the squad and I think that came out today.

“Focusing on one game at a time has been a big mantra for this side. There’s only one more game to focus on and there’s so much on it now.”

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

“We can’t wait,” Fagerson added. “Ireland, a lot of people have been talking about them having maybe lost it.

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

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