SO NEAR YET STILL SO FAR AWAY...

But Toony says Scots will learn from heartache and take that big leap forward

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IN the end, it didn't matter what they did in Dublin.

Thomas Ramos' nerveless winning kick for France against England in Paris meant Scotland were always destined for Six Nations heartache, whether or not they could smash their long miserable run of losses to Ireland.

But what's important for Gregor Townsend's team is they learn from the missed opportunities that left them again looking on as the trophies were being hoisted elsewhere.

The coach has already insisted that is exactly what his team will do. But Scotland fans can say they've heard it that before. Townsend has overseen nine championships and the best he's managed is three third-place finishes.

This year was, however, the first time since the country's success in the old Five Nations back in 1999 that they've made it to the final day with still a chance of glory. But that's all it was due to a shock opening-round loss in Rome - an unlikely chance.

Losing at the Stadio Olimpico meant Townsend's team couldn't afford another slip-up. The wins over England, Wales and Les Bleus fired Townsend's men back into contention but there was no insurance policy.

So when they came up against their toughest test - going to a city where they haven't won for 16 years to face a side who had won all of their last 11 encounters - Scotland knew they had to be punch perfect.