Zander Fagerson has credited Scotland’s winning streak to the players enjoying themselves and playing with a smile on their faces after defeating Italy in Florence.
Scotland went into their opening game of the Autumn Nations Cup on a run of four consecutive wins, having beaten Italy, France, Georgia and Wales in their previous outings.
But the Azzurri threatened to derail Scotland’s momentum in the first half of their meeting in the new tournament, leading 11-7 and the break and 17-14 with just 20 minutes left on the clock.
Tries from Fagerson, Scott Cummings and George Turner turned the game on its head, however, as Gregor Townsend’s men clinched a bonus-point 28-17 victory to top Group B.
And speaking after the contest, Fagerson explained how the positive mood in the Scotland camp and the relationship between the players has been key to their upturn in form.
“It was pretty intense, we made it hard for ourselves,” he said. “First half the discipline wasn’t good enough and Italy came out with their tails up and got into the game early.
“We just didn’t stick to our game plans and there were a few silly territory things and they got into the game so we made it hard for ourselves in the first half.
“But we had a great second half and showed composure, we built into our game and got the win in the end and we got those four tries which was key.
“I got over the try-line and I was waiting for the referee to send me off for being offside so I was going to say sorry, but I got it down after a lot of encouragement from my teammates.
“We’re just making memories and really enjoying ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, the first half wasn’t acceptable and wasn’t perfect but we dug it out and got another win.
“It’s building nicely and you could see the boys in the second half, everyone has got smiles on their faces. It’s a really tight bunch, a great group of boys and we’re enjoying ourselves.
“It’s awesome to be a part of and I feel fortunate to be part of this group.”
Scotland will now turn their attention to a fascinating rematch with France, who they beat back in March to end Les Bleus’ Grand Slam hopes in the 2020 Guinness Six Nations.
And while Scotland will be without their passionate supporters on their return to BT Murrayfield, Fagerson had a special message to the fans during their absence due to Covid restrictions.
“Even though the fans aren’t here, which we’re gutted about but it’s for their safety and ours, we miss them and we really appreciate all the support and all the messages we received,” he said.
“Keep doing what you’re doing and we’ll keep trying to put a smile on your face every week.”
