Mike Blair insists Scotland’s last-gasp victory over Italy at the weekend will prove ‘priceless’ for team morale going into the last two matches of the Six Nations.
The Scots were left demoralised by their 20-0 whitewash against England at Murrayfield earlier this month, with that embarrassing defeat coming on the back of an even heavier 28-6 loss to Ireland in Dublin.
Another setback in Rome on Saturday would have left Scott Johnson’s heavily-criticised outfit staring at the wooden spoon going into their remaining meetings with France and Wales.
However, with Duncan Weir’s dramatic drop goal with just seconds left in the Stadio Olimpico snatching a deserved first victory of this year’s championship, Blair firmly believes the future benefits could be monumental.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VrG-fZp58oA%3Flist%3DUUL5bAcVfbxSAs-UM5f5ncWg
The 32-year-old, who retired before last year’s Six Nations, said: “Don’t underestimate the significance of Scotland’s 21-20 Six Nations win in Italy.
“Interim head coach Scott Johnson said during the week that a victory in Rome would not paper over the cracks or disguise the fact the the national side aren’t where they want to be.
“But a win nudges you in the right direction. Scotland will be a lot more upbeat this week. It wasn’t perfect, but there are some real positives to work off and some tinkering to be done in other areas.”