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Barclay determined for stock to rise

Thursday 20th November 2008

John Barclay: Not a happy loser

Scottish rugby's giant is slowly awakening. A Grand Slam is not around the corner, nor, any more, is a victory over any of the southern nations, but if John Barclay's mood is anything to go by, satisfaction in narrow defeats to top countries is not acceptable any more either.

22-year-old Barclay, a prime candidate for next year's British and Irish Lions tour, has been the only ever-present of Scotland's back row during November, and was pivotal in Glasgow's narrow defeat to Toulouse in October.

He said after that match that talk of gallant defeat was 'patronising', and nothing had changed after Scotland fell - we won't say gallantly - to South Africa last Saturday.

"After losing sometimes as a nation or as pro teams we sell ourselves short, especially in the pro era. People will forget we ran these teams close and look back and maybe think South Africa played poorly," he said to The Scotsman.

"I was angry and frustrated on Saturday night. I know we were not really patronised, but that is what it feels like. People say 'you guys did so well' - my granny phoned and said we played so well - and it's nice that people are encouraged, but we still lost.

"We have played well in the last few games, but have nothing to show for it, and for Scotland to be taken seriously in terms of world rugby, Six Nations and at pro team level we have to win these games; not win one-off games, but do it regularly."

Any positives? But of course. Having been so soundly trounced so in recent years, a narrow defeat to the world champions, in which observers knew the Scots perhaps ought to have won, will do nothing if not build a little confidence.

"Playing so well against South Africa does give you confidence and if you can get a few wins under your belt it can have a snowball affect, and other teams take you more seriously.

"It is great we ran the world champions so close, but Scottish people want to see us win these games and so do we."