November was not the kindest month for those putting their hand up for the Lions. Each of the Home Unions, the suppliers, had at least two goes at the nations that receive the tourists. Only one victory was recorded, by Wales over Australia.
But Scotland really should have beaten the very next hosts, South Africa, at Murrayfield. It was just the finishing touches, a couple of kickable penalties, which let them down. It was disappointing, although such delicate matters may not automatically make the register of a prop's performance. Scotland lost, but Euan Murray had a stormer.
That day he was up against Tendai Mtawarira, affectionately known as "the Beast" for what he does to opposing tight-head props. Murray had been powerful in defeat the week before against the second-string New Zealand All Blacks, but this was a Test against the full-strength world champions. Murray was outstanding. Not many put their hands up, but here were two large Glaswegian arms raised.
At 28, Murray may be leaving his breakthrough late, but front-row forwards often emerge at the far end of their 20s. He had other things on his mind when he was younger, such as qualifying as a vet. That career is on hold while he now plays rugby with Northampton.
He also had to recover from a blow to his head, a clash with the kneecap of Munster's Anthony Horgan that triggered a seizure on the field in 2005. As a man of medicine he must have known he had to take his time in recovery; as a man of God, he reckons it changed his life.
Certainly for the good as a rugby player, since he satisfies the demand for specialists and all-rounders in one package. The only thing that has changed is that opponents now know about him. He is no longer Scotland's big secret.
