The emotion of the Scotland players at full-time here perhaps told you everything you needed to know about the importance of this afternoon. Their buildup to the World Cup has been mired in controversy, with their head coach, Bryan Easson, confirming his departure after this tournament as well as contractual disputes surrounding many of their squad.
But all those factors, and all that motivation, blended together to deliver a stunning performance and a significant victory. With the might of Canada and the slightly less problematic Fiji also in Pool B, it was not inconceivable to suggest this was the most important game of the opening weekend, doubling up as a straight shootout for a place in the knockout stages.
