The best sign for Scotland from a traumatic afternoon in Rome – and the underlining mark of this 6 Nations for them - was that they won a game in a manner no-one thought they were capable of.
Not even an unwelcome intervention from the stadium announcer midway through his run-up could bother ice-cool Greig Laidlaw as he kicked Scotland back from the brink in Rome.
Gregor Townsend is only “slightly satisfied” with his first 6 Nations campaign in charge of Scotland and feels the squad have far more to give going forward.
Greig Laidlaw dragged Scotland back from defeat twice in one afternoon in Rome with his last-gasp penalty finally edging the contest against the unlucky Italians.
In Rome time moves slowly, and nothing much has altered here in 18 years as Scotland play their 10th Six Nations game in the eternal city.
Scotland are determined to avoid the hurt of a few months contemplating a let-down end to this NatWest 6 Nations campaign by beating Italy for the fourth time in a row and the third time in succession in Rome.
Finn Russell doesn’t feel the extra responsibility as he looks to take on a bigger leadership role with one of his “wingmen” absent in Rome tomorrow.
Gregor Townsend has preached consistency, and even making multiple changes he’s sticking to the plan.
WP Nel is only looking for a concerted run of games again after a tough two years that had him questioning his future.
Gregor Townsend has made five changes in his team to complete the 2018 NatWest 6 Nations campaign in Rome on Saturday, including a first championship start for Nick Grigg.