At half-time in the meeting between Scotland and Australia, rugby-watching menfolk up and down the country will have lost the argument or, indeed, had no interest in winning it.
"Of course we can switch over to 'Strictly Come Dancing' dearest. I may even watch it with you". The only reason for continuing with events at Murrayfield would be a morbid fascination, to see Scottish rugby in its death throes.
But those who chose the route of sequins and salsa would have missed a most remarkable second half.
Whether it was because Australia eased up or because Scotland smartened up - a likely record defeat was averted and in the end the margin of defeat was fairly close to pre-match predictions - perhaps even better than expected.
But the memory of that first half is hard to erase. Scotland were simply terrible.
The ease with which tries rained in for Australia was disturbing to say the least. They came not from any genius on the Wallabies part, but from Scottish mistakes and from simple and effective handling and running by the men in green and gold.
When the half-time whistle brought a merciful end to proceedings Scotland were, as my colleague and former Scotland captain Andy Nicol remarked, "standing on the edge of the precipice".
For some reason, though, they didn't tumble in.
Spurred on by the shame of the first half and pride in what the national jersey clearly still means, a young and inexperienced side finally rose to the occasion.
After a poor defensive performance in the first half, Sean Lamont's redemption came when he showed what his strength can offer in attack with a debut try. Hugo Southwell, on as a replacement, also went over for the first time and the full-back jersey is surely back in his keeping.
It all left Scotland coach Matt Williams as bemused as the rest of us but grateful that his side, decimated by injury and inattendance, hadn't folded.
 Scotland got to grips with Australia in the second half |
"The young guys had to get the chance to show what they could do," he said. "Unless we expose these players to the highest standards, they'll never learn."
Australian coach Eddie Jones, meanwhile, was focusing on another issue - the fact that Murrayfield had shrunk, with the pitch five metres narrower and the in-goal areas barely half their normal size.
"It's a bit comical and not in the spirit of rugby. The extra five metres would have been handy."
The explanation from the SRU was that it was within regulations and the exact specifications that will be in place for the forthcoming games at the football grounds of MacDiarmid Park and Hampden.
But ignoring the size of the pitch these remaining internationals on successive weekends are vital for Scotland.
With certain key players joining the squad after duty with their English clubs, Williams hand can only be strengthened for the meetings with Japan, Australia again and South Africa to round things off.
Which Scotland, though, will turn up? The side which was 28-0 down after 40 minutes at Murrayfield or that which 'won' the second half 14-3?
It simply has to be the latter. Or, like those who chose Bruce Forsyth and friends on Saturday night, Scottish rugby supporters will all start switching off.
MMIX
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