Ford's New Scotland
When the news came in that Ross Ford was to be captain of Scotland there was a sense that Scotland's backroom team had flashed their intent. Everyone was moving on from that World Cup. In with the new, certainly, but also a protection of the old that worked.
Hooker Ford takes over from Al Kellock, a captain who talked boldly but also ran a graceful lineout. He's still there. Cusiter, another man touted as the new leader, is still there. Blair is still there, Jacobsen is still there, Lawson is still there and Morrison is still there. Ford has a support group capable of talking the spit off a thistle.
When Ford was unveiled you could see that he knew this. Andy Robinson assured everyone that his new skipper was a man aware of the game and implicated in selections, but that really goes without saying. It is well known that Ford is sharp. He's just not a raconteur. The Kelso reared Lion most certainly knows his rugby.
It is the belief that he will grow further in this role, unlocking his sizeable potential. When he is on his game he is a force and perhaps this is the nudge he needs.
This appointment is about actions, not words. It is an encouraging sign of what the approach should be against England. Elements of regeneration are evident, though this is not a declaration of a sighting of the green shoots of recovery. No. That would involve too much preamble.
Instead everyone gets on with the job. New, untested players are brought in and faith is evident at all corners. When someone like McKenzie goes down for Sale Ryder steps in from Glasgow. When Kalman is seen using crutches as a precaution Welsh steps in. Hogg and Denton are treated like everyone else. The group grows.
Ford will have an influence on this group, but so will all within the senior player caste. There appears to be a neat synergy in that respect and all of the players seem comfortable with each other. The morale is strong because the group is strong, and progression is assumed.
This is not to say the first, huge game is taken lightly. Everyone will be working like bears and the Calcutta Cup brings with it immeasurable pressure. With Ford as the figurehead, though, it is likely that the relaxed looks belie whirring thoughts and unfathomable nerves. Scotland will be prepared and the captain will know his responsibilities.
This 6 Nations is the biggest event for Scotland in some time. It is either the turning point or a sign of where we are. Everyone wants to move forward and everyone is happy to see the new players, the new staff appointments and the new captain.
It would be silly to get carried away. No one is making bold predictions or grandiose statements. However, there is a buzz around the country. Even the most embittered fans have acknowledged the huge achievements by Ford and Edinburgh in the Heineken Cup. The naysayers who ridiculed Glasgow's reliance on youth have been humbled by the Warriors' fighting performances and form in the Pro12.
Building towards the tournament opener, when the current champions take to a sold-out Murrayfield, expect that feeling of expectation and excitement to be exploited. Don't expect it to come from the players themselves, though. This term it is about actions rather than words. No one needs to tell them how significant this fixture is and no one needs to show them how much of a chance they've got.
Expect grunting and graft, but no arrogance, hand-bags or hubris.
