For Gregor Townsend it was in the 20 minutes before half-time that Scotland let the game slip away from them in a narrow defeat to Wales.
The Welsh maintained their Grand Slam bid with an 18-11 success, but were pushed hard at BT Murrayfield by the Scots.
The home side suffered a number of injuries in the first half, losing Blair Kinghorn and Tommy Seymour in the back three, as well as Jamie Ritchie and Hamish Watson in the back row for a short period.
That meant a reshuffle, particularly in the backline, and Townsend felt the period leading into half-time was crucial.
During that time Jonathan Davies crossed for what proved the crucial try, a frustration for Townsend who felt his team were the better side for much of the game.
He said: “I’m very proud of the players, I felt we started the game really well we had some adjustments to make with players getting injured early in that first half. We didn’t defend well in the second quarter.
“But for the first quarter and the second half, I thought we played well. I believe we were the better team we dominated possession and got behind the opposition defence in those periods.
“I’m really proud that the players put on that performance in front of the supporters who were energised by the way we were playing and putting on a performance against one of the best teams in the world. It shows what they are capable of. Pride would be my strongest emotion and frustration that we didn’t get the win.”
Darcy Graham scored a fine try for the Scots in the second half, but in the end they were frustrated by the Welsh defence despite being on the front foot after the break.
That inability to take their chances came back to bite them, and Townsend warned his team they must be much-improved against England in the Calcutta Cup next Saturday.
He added: “What we showed today against the number three team in the world, if we build on that performance, we can be a match for any team in the world.
“We know how England are at home, we know what a strong team they are, and we know our record there. But records are there to be broken and that will be the case if we play like we did today and improve those areas close to the try-line.”
