Relief, just relief, was the overwhelming emotion in the Scotland dressing-room after their victory over England at Murrayfield on Saturday. After a campaign that had started so full of optimism but had collapsed into a shambles, just getting the kind of result that they always believed they were capable of achieving restored confidence and hope.

Now Scotland head for Italy next Saturday to seek the victory which would round off a respectable RBS Six Nations Championship campaign, but they will be without Rory Lamont, the wing, who needs surgery on the facial injury that he picked up in his collision with Iain Balshaw in the 20th minute, and Ross Ford, the hooker, who damaged an ankle.

“It was a funny feeling,” Mike Blair, the captain, said. “There was definitely a different emotion from the win two years ago, a bit of relief. There has been pressure on us and we were pleased to put in a performance. The guys are really chuffed, it has been a disappointing campaign and we just want to step it up again next week.”

His view was echoed by Hugo Southwell, the full back. “Just massive relief,” he said. “We didn't get the chance to attack as much as we would have liked, but we have been struggling defensively, so to get back to where we have been took a great team effort. The atmosphere in the changing-room was amazing; to have come from where we were after the last three games to where we are now is fantastic.”

Frank Hadden, the coach, was relieved, not only to see the team perform but to see the pressure ease on the management and the players. “It was a mature performance,” he said. “We always kept our noses in front and though there was a bit of edginess I always felt remarkably composed on the touchline. A lot of that had to do with the support the crowd was giving not just for skilful rugby but for the effort, commitment and determination to do something special.

“I thought our handling in the conditions was excellent. We showed the right level of ambition in the movement and control of the ball. You would think that the heavier pack would have had the edge in these conditions, so it was an enormous tribute to our guys that that was not the case.

“I wouldn't say the last two weeks were the toughest of my career, but I would say they were the least enjoyable. We absolutely hate losing and I know how important it is for Scottish rugby to win. We're not the biggest country, we don't have huge resources, so the national team is a flagship and has to do well.”