Scotland’s rugby team has long been known for its free-flowing, attacking style. But now, according to back-rower Matt Fagerson, they have added a crucial missing ingredient—defensive resilience. Their victory over Australia in the Autumn Nations Series rounded off a strong campaign, reinforcing their reputation as a more well-rounded side.
A Statement Autumn Series
Three wins from four matches. That’s the tally for Scotland after an Autumn Nations Series that showcased their growth. Their only setback came against world champions South Africa, but even in that match, they stood toe-to-toe with the bruising Springboks.
The Scots have often dazzled with their expansive, unpredictable play. But critics have questioned their ability to withstand physical battles. That narrative is shifting. Against Australia, their defensive structure absorbed the pressure of a team that had racked up 13 tries in two previous wins over England and Wales.
Fagerson: “We’ve Got That Hard Edge Now”
Fagerson sees a marked difference in Scotland’s approach. The team, he says, has developed an ability to withstand physical onslaughts while maintaining its attacking identity.
“I think Scotland in the past maybe have been classed as being able to do all the flairy things, scoring from anywhere, but didn’t have that hard edge when it came to our defence,” Fagerson said.
That perception, he believes, has changed. The team’s ability to handle the might of South Africa and then shut down Australia’s potent attack is proof.
- Scotland’s defence has become a defining feature of their play.
- The physicality shown against South Africa set a new benchmark.
- Their ability to maintain structure under pressure has improved.
“We know that’s where we are, and that’s something we’ve got to try and replicate every week,” Fagerson added.
The Six Nations Beckons
With the Autumn Nations Series done, Scotland now turns its focus to the Six Nations. Confidence is high, but the challenge remains daunting.
“We’re very happy with the win leading into the Six Nations,” Fagerson said. “We know we’ve still got things to work on, but it’s a great confidence boost leading into the first game.”
Scotland’s record in the Six Nations has been mixed in recent years. They have secured some famous wins—beating England at Twickenham in 2021 and France in Paris in 2020—but consistency has eluded them. The question now is whether this newfound defensive edge can translate into sustained success.
Strength in Defence and Attack
A glance at Scotland’s performance across the Autumn Nations Series paints a promising picture. Their ability to mix physicality with flair is evident.
| Match | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonga | Won 60-14 |
| 2 | Australia | Won 15-13 |
| 3 | South Africa | Lost 15-30 |
| 4 | Japan | Won 29-20 |
The win over Japan was another test of Scotland’s defensive mettle. The Brave Blossoms are known for their fast-paced, intricate attacking play, yet Scotland held them at arm’s length for much of the contest.
A Team Growing in Confidence
Scotland has often been seen as a side capable of big wins but lacking the consistency to challenge for titles. With the Six Nations looming, the belief within the squad is stronger than ever.
The defensive performances against South Africa and Australia show clear progress. If they can combine that with their attacking flair, Scotland might just be ready to take the next step on rugby’s biggest stages.
