AT about 5.30pm on Saturday my spirits were very low. I could see the England juggernaut racking up a score probably in excess of 60 points.
But then Stuart McInally’s great run to the line provided me with the consolation that at least the defeat would not be nul points.
What happened in the second half, however, was very special. There have been glimpses of Scotland’s capability in their other games this year, but also of their vulnerability in the face of confidence from their opponents.
We have to remember the injury problems Scotland have had this year and that this was a team including second and third choices – not that they played like that in the second half. Whatever they ate or drank at half time, I want some.
The people of Scotland are also up against an English juggernaut. Can we learn from our rugby team to not only stand up to the onslaught, but be inspired to run towards that try line regardless of what is thrown against us? Can we be positive and shout “Yes! We are Scotland”?
Robert Mitchell
Stirling
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here