It could certainly be said that Scotland were dealt a bad hand when you consider the Pool B draw combined with its scheduling. But it’s all about controlling the controllables, so coaches say, and the possibility remains that Gregor Townsend’s men will play their unforgiving cards remarkably well.
This sunny and largely satisfying victory against game opponents means another bonus-point win, against Romania in Lille next Saturday, sets up a decisive clash against Ireland in Paris on 7 October.
