It got completely lost amongst the hullabaloo of the Six Nations but the Scotland Sevens posted an encouraging result in San Diego last weekend when they finished as runners-up in the plate competition, losing to South Africa after leading with just two minutes on the clock.
They claimed the prized scalps of Argentina and Australia to get as far as they did and their effective sixth place in the tournament is hopefully a growing sign of continuing strength in depth in Scottish rugby. That strength will be further tested next Friday when the A team is reconstituted for the first time since last summer's successful Churchill Cup to play Italy at Perth's McDiarmid Park.
One sevens player was an obvious choice to start against Italy A but Thom Evans injured his shoulder, firstly in America before completing the job on Friday evening during Glasgow's win against Llanelli. If that injury makes him a doubt, a number of his club-mates put up their hands for selection during a superb second half at Hughenden.
Flanker John Barclay won the man of the match award and must be the most intelligent player in the Scottish game, light years improved and much happier than the man who was tempted to throw in the towel a couple of years back.
His back row buddy Johnnie Beattie will surely get a chance to prove his credentials at A team level, as might another youngster who has made startling progress. Prop forward Moray Low played most of the Premier One season with Aberdeen Grammar, started about six matches for Glasgow and, if Friday evening is anything to go by, he is now ready to take the next step up.
Rory Lamont was involved in last year's Churchill Cup but, by his own admission, he played a supporting rather than a starring role in helping Scotland get to the final. His problem was 'Gilmour's groin' an injury that went undiagnosed for several painful years. Since an operation in the summer the fullback/winger/centre is now operating at something like full fitness for just about the first time that he can remember and the benefits are obvious. One try-saving tackle on Regan King early in the second half effectively snuffed out the Welsh challenge for good and Rory is determined to make a big impression next Friday. But in which position?
"The more positions that I can play well the better it is for me but I prefer fullback. I find it easier to get into the game, I think my last-man defence is very good and I feel that I have been kicking really well, until the Llanelli game that is. I kicked a couple of loose ones on Friday night and that is the sort of thing that makes the difference between getting the nod from Frank or not."
Hadden was watching in the stands and he will have been impressed by Rory's ability to beat the first defender. Against that, Southwell's booming left boot is a mighty useful comfort blanket, especially if Phil Godman is playing at fly-half. There is not much to choose between the two men.
"I am after that fullback's position although, if I am in the team on the wing, I'll be delighted. I think that I have everything it takes to be a really good fullback. All I need is game time, more experience. Hugo [Southwell] was struggling after the England game and I was told that if he didn't make it I would be starting.
"That was a real confidence-booster to know that they have that belief in you. As it was, Hugo recovered and it was massively disappointing for me to have to drop out of the matchday 22. I am hoping that a good performance for the A team will help me fight my way back into the senior team."
Iain Morrison's article appeared in the Scotand on Sunday.