Gregor Brown reveals Scotland's winning formula after hard-earned Fiji victory

Gregor Townsend’s side beat Argentina in Cordoba and Fiji at Murrayfield either side of a defeat in South Africa where they pushed the world champion Springboks all the way. They had to work hard for their most recent victory against the Flying Fijians, trailing 17-3 before surging back in the second half to secure a 33-17 result.

Brown, who started that match at number 8 having also played at lock and flanker across all three Summers Tests, believes the men’s national team have found a real identity that can lead them to more success. The Glasgow Warriors’ man was one of a number of players to really put their hands up for future starting XV selections over the past month.

Scotland forward happy with ‘quick style of play’ in Nations Championship Summer Tests

He said: "The message all week was that Fiji are a top quality side and the result against England last week probably didn't reflect that, the quality that they do have. We knew they were going to come out of the gate flying, they're very physical, they've got athletes that can create anything from anywhere and we just knew that we had to put the work in early, build that work, and we knew that come second half, last 20, that that work was going to pay off, and it did today.

"I think it was probably similar in the Argentina game as well. I can't remember what the score was at half time, but it was definitely close. We know that the way that we play, it puts teams on the back foot, it really makes them tired, and it's a fast, quick style of play.

“We're always rolling onto the ball, trying to move defences around and it is really hard to defend like that. If we can hold the ball and keep a breakdown smooth, then with multi-options they're going to struggle. I think today they did a really good job, we previewed again their breakdown threats, they've got jaklalers across the park, and they probably got a good few today, but I think overall we managed to keep on the front foot and keep a quick ball."

There have been ups and downs this season for Brown and Scotland from their defeat to Argentina at Murrayfield in the Autumn and a Six Nations loss to Italy in Rome. There have been some highs as well, most notably their victories over France and England earlier this year, but the most important thing for the players if what they’ve learned about themselves as a team from the wins and the losses.

“I look back at the Six Nations with a lot of learnings,” explained Brown. “I think the previous Six Nations I was involved in I was probably just coming off the bench for the last 20-30 until the last game in Paris. I definitely took a lot of learnings, and took those learnings into this tournament.

“This was a real target to try and get back for [after injuries] and I'm just really grateful to be back in with this group and having the opportunity to play all three was going to be a push, but I'm really grateful it's come off."

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