Time for Scotland to embrace change
WHAT a waste. That’s the only way to sum up Scotland’s Six Nations. There’s still one game to go and, who knows, perhaps Gregor Townsend’s men will finally produce something special in Dublin next week.
Barring a spectacular defensive collapse, however, even a rare win over Ireland wouldn’t be enough to secure the title, given the points difference between the sides. And how infuriating that is, especially when it was utterly avoidable.
Yesterday, the Scots, once again, got themselves into a winning position, which would have left them in a strong position in the table, before letting it slip in calamitous and costly fashion.
They almost did it against Wales. They did it against France. They had their flaky moments against England. And, in Rome, came the worst performance of all as they disintegrated against Italy.
It felt indicative of Townsend’s reign. Plenty of promise but, ultimately, unable to make good on it. The margins of defeat may be narrow but are a chasm Townsend has been unable to bridge.
Of course, only the most hard-hearted would have grudged the Italians their victory yesterday. Full-time was joyous. But it should never have come to pass.
The Scots spoke beforehand about the need for a full 80-minute performance. Quite why they are unable to find it remains a source of deep frustration.
The talent is certainly there on the pitch and scoring four tries against a fierce Italian defence reinforces that.
So, is it a question of mentality? It is, although it’s not necessarily an inability to cope with pressure as there have been moments in this year’s championship that suggest otherwise. Indeed, staying calm as England got off to a flyer at Murrayfield last month proved key to turning that match on its head.
It seems more a lack of focus, or a drop in intensity, at key moments is costing Townsend’s men dearly. Scotland have threatened to be ruthless only to welcome teams back into the game with open arms and a wide-open defence.
They could certainly point to decisions not falling their way. George Horne’s disallowed try proved to be a turning point in yesterday’s game. But good teams shrug off these things quickly.
There needs to be an acceptance that change is required, although this isn’t about selection, the depth of the squad or even the tactics. It’s deeper rooted than that.
Townsend has had seven years to get it right. If Scotland are to take the next step – to become genuine Six Nations contenders – then they need to shake things up and that could mean a change of head coach.
That may be seen as harsh on Townsend, and he’s undoubtedly a talented coach, but there have been too many issues, too many mis-steps, too much doubt. Sometimes, history weighs heavily and a clean slate is required. Of course, if the Scots were to beat Ireland next week, it’s unlikely Townsend would be asked to leave. Three wins in the tournament – including a Dublin triumph – would shield him from that.
But if no change is forthcoming, it feels like the Scots will be stuck in this painful cycle for years to come, squandering the talents of the likes of Finn Russell and Duhan Van Der Merwe, unable to take the leap required. What a waste, indeed.