The changes made to Scotland's back-room staff seem to be having a positive effect on the players, and they have got some wins under their belt during the summer and autumn internationals.

The signs are there that they are beginning to play a more attractive, open style of rugby, and the key for them now is to produce some consistency in their performances rather than just playing well in certain phases of certain games.

Another reason for Scotland to feel optimistic is that once again this year's RBS 6 Nations tournament is likely to be a remarkably open one.

I think Wales are going to find it hard to reproduce the sort of form they produced last season, and they will also be hampered by the injuries already sustained by a number of key players.

Wales also have to travel to play England at Twickenham in their opening game, so playing Wales in Cardiff may not be the worst place for Scotland to have to go if the Welsh have been on the receiving end of a thrashing in London.

The current crop of Ireland players missed their best opportunity of winning the tournament last year, and their squad could prove to be a year too old now.

France and England are both unpredictable but Scotland have both those sides at home and have a chance of a snatching a win. The fixtures definitely fall in Scotland's favour.

Things seem to be moving in the right direction for Frank Hadden's men.