Time to prove with best We can haka it on the planet
IT is 30 years since Scotland last won six games in a row.
If they are going to equal that feat tomorrow at Murrayfield in the Autumn Nations Cup, they will have to be at their best against French opponents whom Gregor Townsend rates as the best team on the planet ahead of New Zealand.
Townsend’s side have already beaten France this year in the Six Nations. That came after a win against Italy and since then they have got the better of Georgia, Wales and the Italians again to take their winning streak to five.
There is no doubt that Scotland have improved massively since failing to get out of the pool stage at
a raised level of focus and work rate in training this week, knowing we have to deliver our best performance.”
The supporters’ imagination may have been captured by a run of results that is one win from emulating the Grand Slam side of 1990 but Toony is more interested in the present than the history books.
“We’ve never mentioned it in any of our meetings or among the coaches,” he said when asked how he was dealing with the prospect of going for six in a row. “I couldn’t tell you if the players talk about it.
“We obviously know there has been momentum building and that’s a good thing to have as a team because you have confidence from winning.
“But we’re playing a very good side who will challenge us in all sorts of areas so we’ve got to be at our best.
“The challenge and opportunity this game provides is massive. Whether it’s on the back of six defeats, one win or no wins – it’s a great game to get stuck into.
“It’s about winning this game and what that would mean to this group in terms of getting into the final.
“We know what a challenge France are going to bring – one of the best teams, if not the best team, in the world – so that’s all we’re thinking about.
“We were due to play New Zealand this weekend [in the
Autumn internationals] before the world changed, and normally when you play New Zealand they are ranked No.1.
“Now we’re getting the opportunity to play France, who have been the best team in terms of results since the World Cup.
“When you take on the best nations, the wins are even
more special.”