#international-rugby

#international-rugby

National stereotypes often have some element of truth to them, but my experience of people from north of the border suggests the dour Scotsman trope does not. This erroneous view is never more evident than when applied to the subject of the Scotland national men's team in the November tests. Like a crystal clear stream feeding a distillery producing bottles of an adeptly aged, 80% cask strength spirit of optimism, hope springs eternal from fans and commentators alike among the reddening leaves and mellow fruitfulness.

Liam Crowley notes the excitement of the fans during the kick-off game in Dublin, highlighting the sea of red shirts and the positive atmosphere.

When the British & Irish Lions last won a Test series in 2013, Leigh Halfpenny scored a record 49 points and Sam Warburton captained the side to glory in Australia.