Scotland rugby: Townsend defends criticism as team regroup after Argentina setback
Gregor Townsend says there is no entitlement to beat rugby's top teams, as Scotland celebrate a dominant win over Tonga while eyeing momentum for the Six Nations.
Scotland produced a commanding 56-0 win over Tonga at Murrayfield, but the focus after the match was on the larger autumn campaign and the questions facing head coach Gregor Townsend.
Townsend spoke with INLIBER Sport Scotland after Scotland’s emphatic victory, a day after scrutiny over a campaign that included a late stumble against Argentina and a heavy fall short of the All Blacks. He stressed that there is no automatic right to beat elite nations and that Scotland must earn every result.
“There isn’t an entitlement to beat teams like New Zealand or Argentina,” Townsend said. “We have to stay honest about where we are and focus on improving the areas that matter, including the last 20 minutes. If some look for a quick fix elsewhere, I disagree with that.”
Autumn reflections and realism
There has been a degree of misunderstanding around the criticism following Scotland’s 33-24 setback against Argentina. Disappointment among fans and pundits stems from watching a team perform superbly in patches—like the 21-0 lead against the All Blacks—only to lose momentum late in games.
As Scotland beat Tonga with a mix of experienced and rotated players, the sense of forward momentum remained elusive for many observers who hoped for a more consistent run into the Six Nations.
Despite the poor finishes in two high-profile losses, Townsend and the squad insist the fundamentals are sound and that progress is real, even if the results have not always reflected that in recent weeks.
Captain’s call for focus on the Six Nations
Captain Sione Tuipulotu spoke frankly, underscoring that the team must stop looking for headlines and start delivering in the build-up to the Six Nations. He urged a pragmatic return to form and dismissed talk of quick fixes, stressing the work happens in the changing room.
Tuipulotu’s message reflected a potential shift in mindset—a siege mentality that could sharpen Scotland’s collective resolve as the calendar moves toward the championship year.
Townsend’s belief remains intact
Townsend insisted he remains convinced that Scotland can reach the levels fans crave. He highlighted the New Zealand performance as a genuine signal of potential and argued that the team’s recent run hasn’t altered that belief. He pointed to the better moments and the overall performance as proof the squad can build towards success, in either the Six Nations or beyond.
“We’re aiming to be better every week, and the players understand what success looks like,” he said. “The performance in New Zealand showed what we can be capable of when we are at our best.”
As Scotland heads toward the Six Nations, the balance between realism and ambition remains delicate. The squad will hope that steady improvement, backed by a renewed collective focus, translates into more consistent results and the momentum the supporters are seeking.
Key takeaway: There is no entitlement to beat top teams; Scotland must earn their results through disciplined, continual improvement as they prepare for the Six Nations. BBC Sport
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