If you were looking for an excitable, passionate and noisy city to be in a couple of weekends back, Edinburgh was it. As the Gods smiled down on Murrayfield that Saturday night, Scotland took on England in the Six Nations and in perhaps the most surprising result of the tournament so far, walked away victorious.
From the scuffle as the two teams returned to the tunnel after the pre-match warm ups, it was clear that this was not going to be a dull match. Scotland, who have not scored a try at home against England since 2004, were playing out of their kilts from the go, and by half time, having scored three terrific tries, held an impressive lead over their opponents. The English squad were at a loss to understand what had befallen them and returned to fray at the start of the second half looking slightly tense but determined to rectify the situation. Although they played much more admirably, it was too little, too late, as the game ended with a Scottish victory of 25-13, giving the Scots the Calcutta Cup for the first time in ten years, and England their second defeat of the Eddie Jones’ era.
Suffice to say that the energy in Edinburgh for the remainder of the weekend was exceedingly positive, with moods at a peak and a vague sense of patriotism for inhabitants both visitors and resident from elsewhere who aren’t actually Scottish.
The result of the game was an excellent example of goals that surprise you (not Gregor Townsend and his team I am sure!), whether it be in a positive or less than positive way. For England, who have been playing very well, it was an important message that even when you are at the top of your game, there is no time to rest on your laurels, as the fight is never over. For Scotland, it demonstrated what results of years of hard work and planning can produce. For both teams, it was an opportunity to look at how far they have come, and where they are going next.
When you reach for the next step in your career, you are more that aware it could be a cause than may have you celebrating or ruing a decision made in haste; take a second to look at where you’ve come from, and where you are headed next on the path of your career. Here at ABPM, we are eagerly waiting to assist you in taking the next steps and progressing your career journey.