Scotland move on from Six Nations playing some of their best rugby, Townsend says
· CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
DUBLIN, March 14 : Scotland played some of the best rugby over the last six weeks that coach Gregor Townsend said he has seen them play and while repeating last week's stunning performance against France was impossible, they had to be better against Ireland on Saturday.
The Scots went into Saturday's final game with hopes of a first Six Nations title in 27 years after the incredible 50-40 win over the French but went down 43-21 despite getting within five points of Ireland with 20 minutes to go.
"The standards last week were exceptional, not losing a ruck against France, only four penalties. It was going to be difficult to repeat that, it'll be difficult to repeat that ever again but we needed to be better today," Townsend told a news conference.
"The performances we delivered, particularly in the three wins, was some of the best rugby I've seen us play," he added, referring to the other victories - an inspired win over England and a gutsy comeback in Wales.
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
However Saturday's defeat wasn't just a 12th in a row against Ireland, but another by a big margin. That run includes comprehensive defeats in back-to-back World Cups ahead of the sides meeting again in Australia next year.
Asked if his side have developed a mental block against the Irish - their last win in Dublin came in 2010 - Townsend argued that their rotten run has come at a time when 2023 and 2024 Six Nations champions Ireland have been a dominant force.
Townsend also did not believe the emotion of the occasion - when the Scots could have at the very least delivered a first Triple Crown since 1990 - got to the players either. Tactical and technical errors early on cost them, he said.
"I've seen what's gone in behind the scenes and how we bounced back after (the loss to) Italy. I'm really proud of how we rallied, we've definitely made progress," Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu added.
"I don't feel like it's the end for this group, I feel it's a good starting point."
Newsletter
Recommended Read
Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read
A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app