Scotland coach Andy Robinson has urged the nation's rugby union supporters to stick with his side after their heartbreaking 31-24 Six Nations loss to Wales.
Scotland were on the brink of completing only their fourth win in 26 away Six Nations matches when they led 24-14 with just four minutes left here at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
At that stage it was Scotland's supporters who were on the verge of 'raising the roof' after Robinson had insisted the stadium's retractable covering be left open for the match.
But the hopes of travelling fans were dashed in a chaotic final few minutes where Scotland lost two men (replacement hooker Scott Lawson and reserve back Phil Godman), two tries (to Wales wings Leigh Halfpenny and Shane Williams) and a penalty.
However, on this evidence, Scotland can play Italy -- a fixture that has often been a 'wooden spoon' decider in recent seasons -- in Rome on February 27 confident of a win that could yet turn their season around.
"The players have been truly outstanding," Robinson said. "They are distraught and hurting but the Scottish nation should be proud."
Scotland controlled the match up until the 70th minute, having belied a record of only one try in six previous Tests thanks to first half touchdowns from John Barclay and replacement back Max Evans that refuted the notion that the boot of Chris Paterson was their only source of points.
Full-back Paterson's joy at becoming the first Scot to win 100 caps was cut short by an abdominal injury that saw him leave the field after half an hour.
But even more concerning for Scotland was the sight of wing Thom Evans, Max's brother, being carried off on a stretcher shortly before half-time with what appeared to a serious back injury.
Robinson sent a chill through the ranks of the reporters at his post-match press conference when his grave tone sparked fears Thom Evans had suffered severe spinal damage.
"We've got a serious injury with Thom Evans, who has hurt his back and is currently in hospital," Robinson said.
"We think it's very serious, his parents are with him and our thoughts with him," the former England coach added.
Scotland's cause during the match was not helped by several injuries to their backs during the course of the game and come the frantic finale they had two scrum-halves and two stand-offs on the pitch.
Defeat was cruel on Scotland and especially on their Australian-born outside-half Dan Parks, who marked his first Test in over a year with a virtuoso display of tactical kicking and assured passing.
The Glasgow number 10, who replaced Godman in the starting line-up, also kicked 12 points courtesy of two penalties and two drop goals, the second an impressive effort from nearly 40 metres out.
This may have been Scotland's second straight defeat of the tournament after a lacklustre 18-9 home loss to France but it was a much more vibrant display.
"I don't think I've ever felt like this after any game I've been involved in," Robinson said.
"Tactically, we were very smart, the way we took game to Wales for 70 minutes but we understand international rugby is a ruthless business."
And had Mike Blair kicked the ball out on the full from the re-start following Stephen Jones's penalty that tied the scores at 24-24, Scotland might have come away with a draw.
"There's no justice, it breaks your heart," said Parks.
"We did so much hard work and it just gets taken away."
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