The opportunity and ability for teams to rewrite their own narratives in the space of just a few weeks is part of what makes the Six Nations so compelling.
Lacklustre and outgunned in Rome in week one, Scotland are now France’s biggest challengers after following up the Calcutta Cup demolition of England with a nailbiting, nerve-wrenching win in Wales.
The hosts were 23-12 up with just over 20 minutes to go but Scotland roared back to win 26-23 after some brilliant quick thinking from fly-half Finn Russell.
He switched the momentum of the match with a kick that caught Wales out and allowed Darcy Graham to score in the corner. Yet again, the Bath number 10 was the difference-maker.
“Big-game players turn up when it matters and Russell had moments when he bailed Scotland out,” former Wales captain Sam Warburton told BBC Rugby Special.
“He was exceptional at managing the team when they were down in the game. He waits for the perfect moment to get involved.
“He plays what he sees, he has that licence and his clutch kicking was immense. The big-game player rocked up in the last 30 minutes, he was immaculate and a big part of the comeback.”
“Scotland found a way to win ugly,” added their former flanker John Barclay.
“They found solutions and ground their way in. In some ways that was the most important win they have had in a while. It has given them a strong position in the table.”
Up next? France at Murrayfield on Saturday, 7 March, and the chance to end Les Bleus’ Grand Slam dreams after three successive wins.