This is a test passed. Not the sternest test, it is true, certainly if ambitions of a first title of the Six Nations era are to be entertained seriously, but how easy to imagine previous iterations of 21st-century Scotland failing something similar.
Five beautifully constructed tries against one interception try tells its own story. Scotland played by far the better rugby, but they know more than anyone that playing the better rugby does not on its own a victory make. That this was as close as it was owed to Italian obstinacy – they are a team that will not go away – and the boot of Tommaso Allan, followed by the absolutely classic wobble in the third quarter of a fancied team of still-not-unshakeable composure. Ten quickfire points at the start of the second half brought the Azzurri level at 19-19, having played the square root of no rugby. Having not been allowed to.
