Scotland coach Steve McCormack’s nerves were frayed but intact after his side secured a thrilling 26-24 World Cup win over Tonga at Workington last night.
The Bravehearts lived up to their nickname on a thrilling night in Cumbria, finding a way to win after squandering a 20-4 lead.
New Warrington signing Matty Russell’s try, captain Danny Brough’s conversion and then Daniel Foster’s knock-on with a second to go ensured a Scottish success story that will live long in the memory, perhaps even bettering their 2008 win over Fiji.
McCormack and his coaches could barely watch as the video referee reviewed Foster’s claim of a try – the sixth time he was called into action on the night – with the outpouring of emotion that followed one that had to be seen to be believed.
The fathers of the Australian players in the squad belted out ‘Flower of Scotland’ while wearing kilts, with the anthem later shaking Workington’s stand as Scotland celebrated a win which, if they beat Italy at the same venue on Sunday, could take them to the quarter-finals.
For McCormack, a school teacher on holiday, it was a deserved success, however it came.
“Many people didn’t give us a chance looking at that Tonga team, who showed glimpses, but we found a way to win. That is up there with the best Scotland have ever had,” he said.