Scotland Rugby: Overcoming past collapses is key

Scotland's rugby team is implementing changes to address a recurring issue of losing matches they were expected to win. Recent years have seen the team struggle with closing out games, a pattern that has been particularly noticeable in matches where they held substantial leads, like the one against Argentina. This tendency to allow opponents back into the game, sometimes resulting in defeat, had gone unchecked.

Coach Jones has initiated frank discussions to understand these collapses. The team is actively learning processes and refining their mindset to better manage momentum swings. Players are reportedly buying into the new plan, with a significant improvement expected in this critical area during upcoming games.

Despite the team's awareness of past underperformances, particularly after a disappointing autumn series, there is a deliberate focus on immediate objectives. Scotland players are avoiding discussions about championship targets, understanding that bold claims could alienate supporters. The primary focus is on their first Six Nations match against Italy in Rome, a venue where they suffered a defeat in their last visit due to a similar collapse.

Jones stresses the importance of believing in their capabilities while maintaining a game-by-game approach. Looking ahead to the final matches of the championship is seen as detrimental, as it can lead to overlooking present challenges and allowing opportunities to pass by. The team's strategy is to concentrate solely on defeating Italy, reinforcing their plan, and trusting in their abilities for each individual match.