Scotland coming away with the victory was very important and it was the first away win they have had for four years. That puts it all into perspective.

There was a quiet optimism and self-confidence in the Scottish camp before a ball was kicked this year but translating that into performances and wins is another thing altogether.

It's the manner of the performances that have been so gratifying. I said before if Scotland focused on performances, then the outcomes would look after themselves and that was really the case.

They have had a very good championship and they can be very proud of what they have achieved.

Frank Hadden's influence has been hugely important but he's also built a very competent coaching team around him and I'm sure he'll be the first to acknowledge that.

He brought back Allan Tait and it's no coincidence one of the hallmarks of all the Scottish performances was a very resolute defence.

Jason White's been an outstanding leader, someone who leads by example. He's been one of the standout players of the Scotland side but the backrow as a unit has been the unit of the championship.

I don't think any other backrow has got the better of them. Simon Taylor appears to be back to his best form, which is great to see, and every game Allister Hogg plays he impresses me. He's maturing into a fantastic openside flanker.

I think everybody sensed it would be quite an open tournament because a lot of sides were rebuilding.

To go down to the wire on the final two games of the championship without knowing where the RBS 6 Nations trophy was going to go, without knowing whether the Triple Crown was going to be won, is what the championship is all about and the intense nationalistic fervour that goes along with it is fabulous, it makes it very unique.

There's another RBS 6 Nations championship to come before the World Cup, so there's plenty of time for sides to build on this year to take into the World Cup in 18 months time.

When you think Scotland next year have three home matches, if they can win them and perhaps steal an away victory, they could be in line for a Triple Crown or competing at the business end of the championship because there's nothing to suggest from this year's performance that that is not a realistic ambition.

With that in mind, it gives Scotland a real opportunity to build for the World Cup with a huge amount of confidence and their defence and courage will be a match for any side.