Gregor Townsend has vowed that Scotland's squad is "on the right track" ahead of their Six Nations opener against Italy, following a tumultuous autumn series that saw the team throw away leads in two successive matches. The head coach believes his side have learned from those errors and are now more focused on consistency than setting lofty targets.
Scotland will be led by Townsend for the 100th time, with the 52-year-old coach admitting he never expected to reach such a milestone so soon into his tenure. However, despite the challenges faced over the past year, Townsend remains committed to his role and has revealed that he still feels privileged to be in charge of the national team.
The Scotland squad for their Italy opener is a surprise one, with several high-profile players omitted from the 23-man party. Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, and Blair Kinghorn are all on the bench, while a number of Glasgow Warriors stars have been handed starting berths.
Despite the underwhelming autumn series, which saw Scotland lose to Argentina and New Zealand, Townsend believes in his team's ability to perform on the biggest stage. He has praised the squad's ability to respond when trailing, but admits that consistency is key to achieving success in the Six Nations.
"We want to set out to play a consistent level of rugby close to our best," Townsend said. "I know if we say we're going to play our best rugby for five games, that's unrealistic, but a consistent level that puts us in positions to win."
The task ahead will be a tough one for Scotland, who face a well-organized Italian side in Rome on Saturday. The Azzurri have been on the rise in recent times, and their sell-out crowd at the Stadio Olimpico will undoubtedly provide an intimidating atmosphere.
However, Townsend is not underestimating his team's chances, saying that Italy are "a very tough game" and citing their own experience of coming from behind to win against Scotland in Rome two years ago. The Scots head coach knows he has a cohesive team at his disposal, with talented individuals who have played together for a number of years.
As Townsend prepares to reach the milestone of 100 matches in charge, he is still driven by a hunger to succeed and prove himself as one of the top coaches in the sport. He remains committed to his role, despite criticism from some fans and pundits who feel that he has taken Scotland as far as he can.
Scotland will be led by Townsend for the 100th time, with the 52-year-old coach admitting he never expected to reach such a milestone so soon into his tenure. However, despite the challenges faced over the past year, Townsend remains committed to his role and has revealed that he still feels privileged to be in charge of the national team.
The Scotland squad for their Italy opener is a surprise one, with several high-profile players omitted from the 23-man party. Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, and Blair Kinghorn are all on the bench, while a number of Glasgow Warriors stars have been handed starting berths.
Despite the underwhelming autumn series, which saw Scotland lose to Argentina and New Zealand, Townsend believes in his team's ability to perform on the biggest stage. He has praised the squad's ability to respond when trailing, but admits that consistency is key to achieving success in the Six Nations.
"We want to set out to play a consistent level of rugby close to our best," Townsend said. "I know if we say we're going to play our best rugby for five games, that's unrealistic, but a consistent level that puts us in positions to win."
The task ahead will be a tough one for Scotland, who face a well-organized Italian side in Rome on Saturday. The Azzurri have been on the rise in recent times, and their sell-out crowd at the Stadio Olimpico will undoubtedly provide an intimidating atmosphere.
However, Townsend is not underestimating his team's chances, saying that Italy are "a very tough game" and citing their own experience of coming from behind to win against Scotland in Rome two years ago. The Scots head coach knows he has a cohesive team at his disposal, with talented individuals who have played together for a number of years.
As Townsend prepares to reach the milestone of 100 matches in charge, he is still driven by a hunger to succeed and prove himself as one of the top coaches in the sport. He remains committed to his role, despite criticism from some fans and pundits who feel that he has taken Scotland as far as he can.
... I think the squad changes are a good move by Townsend. Omitting those high-profile players shows he's willing to make tough decisions and trust his bench players 
. It's not about playing the big names all the time, it's about finding what works for you as a team. And hey, if they can get some young blood in there and play some decent rugby, I'm all for it 
. Italy are gonna be tough, but Scotland's got this 
they got all these big names left out of the squad and Townsend's just gonna try to keep them in a consistent game 
. I mean, Duhan van der Merwe is usually a starter, so it's weird to see him on the bench 
.
, and their home crowd will be ELECTRIC 
. But you know what's even more electric? Gregor Townsend's hunger for success 
. The guy's been in the game for ages, and he still wants it all - that 100th win, the Six Nations title... I love it 
.
. Scotland needs to bring their A-game if they wanna take down Italy 
. And hey, who knows? Maybe this surprise squad will surprise us all 
!
but you know coach Townsend is like a glutton for punishment he's all like "we're gonna set out to play consistent rugby" meanwhile his team is over here like "yeah sure coach we'll try not to mess it up too badly 
". anyway I think consistency is key in the six nations and Scotland just needs to figure that out 
. The Azzurri are on fire right now and their home crowd is always electric. But if anyone can do it, it's Scotland with Townsend at the helm 
. Bring it on! 
Townsend's all about playing to their strengths and adapting to situations rather than trying to set out to win every game which sounds realistic i guess 
anyway good luck to scotland against italy 
vs 
100 matches under Townsend's belt? That's no joke! The man's still hungry for success and proving himself as one of the top coaches in the sport. 
and Duhan van der Merwe coming off the bench is like a wild card 
- who knows what he can do?! 
. It feels like consistency is going to be key, but will they be able to execute that?
. But I think Scotland has what it takes to come out on top. And who knows, maybe they'll even pull off an upset? 
. Townsend is right consistency is key now, not just setting targets and winning matches on the big stage 
. he's driven by hunger to succeed and thats what matters. underwhelming autumn series was a bit of a setback but they've learned from it and are more focused on playing good rugby for 5 games 