Townsend staying for Six Nations

GREGOR TOWNSEND will be given the next Six Nations campaign to save his Scotland coaching career as the SRU resist calls for change following the disappointing World Cup exit. Townsend, who is contracted until 2021, insisted after the defeat to Japan last Sunday that he was in no mood to quit — although he admitted yesterday that such a decision may be taken out of his hands. Yet the head coach remains convinced he has the squad of players to make an impact and said

he retains ‘the stomach for the fight’ that lies ahead. ‘I am not somebody who would not go to the end of his contract, but it would not be my decision anyway,’ said Townsend. ‘When it comes to the coach, it is somebody else’s decision. But I believe we have the makings of a very good team that can compete with the best teams in the world. ‘Do I have the stomach for the fight? Yes, of course. I feel very lucky and privileged to be in this role. If someone else was to do it, the least I could say is that I’ve enjoyed the time here. ‘You might not get that impression, but I do not like losing. You always feel you’ve represented your country and not done a good enough job if you lose. That’ll start to hit over the next few days. ‘But walking out against Japan, in that atmosphere, and with these great players, it’s the best job in the world. ‘There’s highs and lows, but I know I’ll be a better coach for the experience, the team will be better. But the proof will be in the next games. ‘I know we have not done well enough in this tournament. But we have not done well at other times and gone away and worked to make it better. ‘We are running to keep up with these teams, but I believe in this group of players and that we can beat the best teams in the world.’ Townsend made it clear he wouldn’t be holding a wholesale clear-out after the poor World Cup performance. A lack of strength in depth is a real concern but he sees a mixture of youth and experience as vital going forward. ‘There is a danger to change too much too quickly,’ he said. ‘I think the Six Nations is such a big tournament and it’s only two months away. It’s round the corner and we have to represent our country the best we can. ‘It’s not a case that we’re now planning for four years’ time, we’re planning to have a successful Six Nations. ‘These young players have shown that they’re deserving. Young players have stepped up and grabbed their opportunity these last few weeks but we have to get the mix right.’ With the future of the Scotland coach top of the agenda after the disappointment in Japan, Sportsmail columnist Andy Nicol said: ‘The only currency that matters when you’re analysing coaches is wins. ‘That means Gregor is under pressure. But I think there’s enough there to see him through. ‘This now means the Six Nations becomes very important. Gregor needs results.’