Why autumn pain can bring Scotland Six Nations gain

While injured in November, Huw Jones got a different perspective on what it is to watch a Scotland team that can raise the spirits and crush the soul.

The Glasgow Warriors centre took in the match against New Zealand – when Scotland thrillingly rallied from 17-0 down to draw level, only for the All Blacks to kick on again for victory – from the BBC Radio Scotland commentary gantry.

“Now I understand why you guys and the fans get so frustrated with us,” Jones said in the post-match analysis, having witnessed Scotland spurn several chances to put the All Blacks away when they had them on the ropes.

Of course, one week later, the Scots served up an altogether more egregious example of their wastefulness, surrendering a 21-0 lead to lose to Argentina.

Jones is now back in the fold, free from injury and looking as sharp as ever.

He may not carry the scars of those agonising November defeats as much as those who were involved, but he believes those experiences may prove to be a watershed moment for Gregor Townsend’s side.

“For too long we were letting games slip, even if we were still winning them. I look at two Wales games in the last two Six Nations where they’ve come really close when we were in a position to put it away.

“The Italy game away [in 2024] when we lost. And so I think it had maybe gone not unnoticed, but sort of unchecked. And I think the Argentina one is obviously the really obvious one, 21 points up, to let that slip.

“There’s been really good conversations, a lot of learnings from that around processes in the game, what our mindset is with momentum swings.

“I feel really positive coming in and seeing the change in everyone and sort of buying into the plan. And I think we obviously want to see a major improvement in that area.”

Like a trademark Jones break, Scotland players have been slipping and sidestepping away from any questions around targets for this Six Nations.

After several underwhelming campaigns these past few years, and coming off a deeply disappointing autumn series, they are aware any bold talk about winning the championship will likely be met with a collective groan from Scotland supporters.

The focus is entirely on Italy in round one, and considering their last visit to Rome ended in defeat after one of those signature Scotland collapses, it is a sound strategy.

“We really have to believe, but we have to take it one game at a time,” said Jones.

“If we start looking ahead and thinking what we’ll do when we get there to that last game, that’s doing no-one any good. So really, it’s Italy. It’s one at a time.

“So, all we’re focusing on is Italy and how to beat Italy whilst sorting our plan and believing in ourselves and believing what we can do. But it’s just that game.

Having started all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions in their series win over Australia last summer, Jones’ stock has never been higher.

It was no surprise, then, when it was announced he will be leaving Glasgow Warriors at the end of the season to join French giants Toulon.

“It’s come to the point in my career where you almost have to capitalise on where you’ve got to,” he said.

“The offer came from Toulon, a historic club, with a history of success. Obviously, the lifestyle that goes with that, south of France, is very difficult to turn down.

“I’ve always been open about wanting to play in France. I enjoy experiencing different countries, different cultures. I started my career in South Africa, came out to Scotland and spent a year in the Prem. I want to experience everything in rugby.

“So, to get the chance to go play down there, I was never really going to turn that down. I’m excited about it. It’s a big move.”

Jones says his Warriors team-mates were all delighted for him and understood the decision despite Glasgow’s current on-field strength.

“It was difficult because right now, I think with Glasgow, we’ve got such a good group and we’re a successful team,” he said. “We’re one of the best teams in Europe. And so that’s a really difficult thing to leave.