HOPE AND GORY

Darge insists belief has never taken battering... even if Scotland have

- BY STUART BATHGATE

DON'T stop believing. That was the message which carried Scotland through the doom and gloom of losses to Argentina and New Zealand in November.

It was the message again after they kicked off the Six Nations with a horror defeat to Italy in Rome's Stadio Olimpico 33 days ago.

That saw punters and pundits alike calling for head coach Gregor Townsend to resign.

And now, following three wins on the bounce, key forward Rory Darge reckons the squad will take the same mantra to Dublin on Saturday afternoon for their finalday showdown with fellow title chasers Ireland.

To be crowned champions for the first time since 1999 - when it was still the Five Nations - Scotland need to get a better result at the Aviva than France get in the late match against England.

Glasgow flanker Darge knows it will be tough against a team who have beaten Scotland in every one of their last 11 Six Nations meetings.