FEELING able to compete at the highest level in world rugby and being told you can is one thing, but doing it is another and Scotland hooker Ross Ford admitted he feels a different person in the wake of the Test defeat to South Africa.
Like the rest of his team, he oscillated between feelings of huge frustration and disappointment after last week's test match, and still believes Scotland threw away victory rather than the Springboks claiming it.
But the most significant benefit
, he believes, is in the new feeling of confidence to emerge from the game that the result cannot alter. "I've enjoyed the games immensely and do feel different because of how we've played," he said. "We didn't like losing and that will probably annoy us for some time, but in terms of confidence it's made a big difference.
"I went into these games seeing a great challenge, but now, having been up against some of the best front row players in the world, and coping well with what they had, something does change inside you. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but it's mental. It's taking away the fear maybe, getting over the barrier of wondering whether you are good enough maybe."
There is little doubt that Ford is a candidate for the 2009 British and Irish Lions, his size and power making him an ideal figure for a tour to South Africa and his skills and pace putting him ahead of some rivals.
And the 24-year-old is still developing those skills with the help of his new mentor, Sean Fitzpatrick, after the former All Blacks hooker and captain was asked by Gregor Townsend if he would be interested in helping Ford under the 'Winning Mentors' programme.
"I have spoken to Sean a few times and it's been good to have input from a man with his experience," said Ford. "He's passed on a few tips and texted me good luck.
"I've still got a long way to go, and a lot to learn, and so do the team, which is why I'm glad the coaches have stuck with us in the front row. I enjoy playing, and agree with what Frank (Hadden] said that the more time we spend together in the scrums and lineouts, the better we will bond and the stronger we'll be as a pack."
The full article contains 406 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
