Five of the Best: Scotland’s defining Six Nations moments

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MARCH 8: Scotland's players celebrate after Sean Maitland scores a try at the end of the first half during a Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and France at BT Murrayfield Stadium, on March 8, 2020, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group / SRU)

Scotland’s journey through the Six Nations era has been defined by breathtaking moments. From the last-minute heists to record-breaking displays, the dark blue jersey has provided some of the tournament’s most enduring memories.

To prepare for another Guinness Men’s Six Nations, look back at five standout moments against each of our Championship rivals.

2014: Duncan Weir’s “Rome Rescue” vs Italy

The 2014 trip to the Stadio Olimpico looked destined to end in a demoralising “wooden spoon” decider. Trailing 13-3 at the interval, Scotland struggled against a malfunctioning scrum and a mounting penalty count. However, the second half saw a remarkable shift in momentum as a brace of clinical tries from centre Alex Dunbar clawed Scotland back into the lead.

The drama reached its peak when Italy’s Josh Furno scored in the dying minutes to snatch the advantage back for the hosts. With the clock deep in the red, Scotland recycled through relentless phases to set a platform 40 yards out. Duncan Weir, having endured a difficult afternoon, found ultimate redemption by demanding the ball and striking a high drop goal. It sailed through the uprights to secure a 21-20 win, remaining one of the most dramatic last-ditch moments in Scottish Rugby history.

22/02/14 RBS SIX NATIONS ITALY V SCOTLAND STADIO OLIMPICO – ROME. Duncan Weir (2nd from left) converts a drop goal in the dying minutes to win the match for Scotland

2017: Laidlaw stands tall

The opening match of the 2017 Six Nations was an instant classic against Ireland. Scotland’s victory was built on a clinical first half, highlighted by a clever try from centre Alex Dunbar. In a masterstroke, Scotland front-loaded a line-out with backs, allowing Dunbar to catch a flat throw from Ross Ford and stroll through a bewildered Irish defence to score. However, the game transformed into a brutal test of nerves as Ireland mounted a furious second-half comeback to lead 22-21 with only minutes remaining.

Under immense pressure, Scotland summoned a legendary final stand, winning two late penalties that captain Greig Laidlaw dispatched with trademark composure. As the final whistle blew on the 27-22 win, the image of Laidlaw standing tall with arms aloft amidst the sheer delirium of the Edinburgh crowd became an instant classic. It remains Scotland’s last home victory over the Irish, a testament to a day when tactical ingenuity and captain’s nerves defined a nation.

04/02/17 RBS SIX NATIONS SCOTLAND V IRELAND MURRAYFIELD STADIUM – EDINBURGH. Scotland’s Greig Laidlaw celebrates after he scores the winning kick

2019: The Twickenham Miracle

Trailing 31-0 after just 30 minutes, Scotland looked destined for one of the most humiliating defeats in Calcutta Cup history. Instead, what followed was one of the greatest comebacks in the history of international rugby. Ignited by a masterclass in tactical play-making from Finn Russell and a stunning final try by Sam Johnson, Scotland scored 38 unanswered points to lead 38-31 in the final minutes.

While a late England score eventually forced a 38-38 draw, the result felt like a resounding Scottish victory. It was a performance of pure determination that silenced a stunned Twickenham crowd and ensured the Calcutta Cup remained in Scotland, serving as the ultimate testament to the team’s never-say-die spirit.

16/03/19 GUINNESS SIX NATIONS ENGLAND V SCOTLAND TWICKENHAM STADIUM – LONDON. The Scotland players celebrate Sam Johnson’s late try

2021: Ending the 22-Year wait in Paris

For over two decades, the Stade de France had remained a fortress against Scottish Rugby, but in 2021, Gregor Townsend’s side finally broke the curse. In a rain-soaked, empty stadium, Scotland produced a performance of immense character to secure a 27-23 victory. Trailing deep into the red, Scotland stayed remarkably composed, recycling through over 20 phases of relentless pressure.

The drama culminated in the 85th minute when the ball was swung wide to Duhan van der Merwe, who squeezed over in the corner to snatch a historic win in Paris.

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 26: Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe scores the winning try during a Guinness Six Nations match between France and Scotland at the Stade de France, on March 26, 2021, in Paris, France. (Photo by Loic Baratoux / SNS Group)

2023: A record-breaking win over Wales

The 2023 Championship saw Scotland make history at Murrayfield, securing their biggest-ever points victory over Wales in a 35-7 masterclass. It was a day charged with emotion, being the first home match since the passing of the legendary Doddie Weir, and the team produced a performance worthy of his memory.

While the first half was a tense affair, the second period belonged to Scotland, who orchestrated a clinical dismantling of the Welsh defence. Russell’s vision provided three assists, including a quick-fire double for winger Kyle Steyn that took the game out of reach. With Blair Kinghorn and Matt Fagerson adding further scores, Scotland surpassed a record that had stood since 1924. This five-try bonus-point win didn’t just break a century-old record; it secured the Doddie Weir Cup in spectacular fashion.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Jamie Ritchie lifts trophy during a Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and Wales at Murrayfield, on February 11, 2023, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)