And Scottish arguments were done no favours as they fell to England 13-6 in their RBS 6 Nations opener, despite breaking the English defensive line on more than one occasion.

The hard-fought loss at Murrayfield was a fourth game in a row without a try for Andy Robinson’s side, but Lamont assures the Scottish faithful it is not for want of trying.

“We know we can do it but I know we’ve said that a lot recently and it’s been the same old story – close but no cigar,” Lamont told the Scotsman.

“We have got to turn things around. It’s been years of so close but not quite. We can only say that so often.

“Everybody goes on about a lack of tries but it’s not for the want of trying on the part of the players.

“We had a ridiculous stat for the massive amount of possession in the opposition 22 against England last time but, barring Greig Laidlaw’s chip and chase which went to the video ref, we crossed the whitewash just once

“It’s been knock-ons and generally things like little turnovers, people making a break then a lofted pass doesn’t go to hand and momentum is lost.

“It’s not far to put it right. We can do it but we just have to believe.”