Townsend: Not a proper game if our best players can’t face France
Gregor Townsend fears the integrity of the Six Nations Championship could be compromised if Scotland are forced to take on France without their contingent of English and French-based players.
A new date for the match has still to be announced, with discussions around player release understood to be the sticking point.
The game was due to be played in Paris on February 28 but was postponed three days beforehand because of a Covid-19 outbreak in the French camp. Scotland return to Six Nations action against Ireland tomorrow following a frustrating month of inaction since their home loss to Wales. It is likely to be the start of a run of three games in under three weeks which will make or break their title chances.
Townsend’s side host Italy on March 20 and the Scotland coach is hoping the France game can be slotted in on Friday, March 26. “I know that’s the day which will be acceptable to everyone – French rugby, Scottish rugby, Six Nations and the broadcasters – but there are still discussions about player release which are ongoing,” Townsend said.
“And obviously for the tournament to have a proper game you need to have everybody available for that game from the clubs, and a number of our squad play in England and France, so we hope [it will be the 26th], and the Six Nations are working towards getting a solution where all our players are available for selection, just like the French.”
The problem is March 26 falls outside the international window and clubs in the Gallagher Premiership and Top 14 would be under no obligation to release their players.
There is a strong sense within the Scotland camp that they must not be punished for the postponement. Coronavirus spread through Fabien Galthie’s squad, infecting a dozen players and a string of backroom staff. Galthie was among those to test positive, the France coach later admitting he had left the team’s bubble to watch his son play rugby.
The revelation that a number of players also broke Covid protocols by leaving the team hotel to go out for waffles while in Rome for the match against Italy sparked further criticism.
Townsend said the decision on a new date would likely rest on talks between Six Nations organisers and PRL, the umbrella group which represents England’s top clubs. “It’s not going to be my decision,” he said. “For a tournament of the standing of the Six Nations you need the best players playing against the best available.”
A number of Scotland players are based in England including captain Stuart Hogg, his Exeter team-mate Jonny Gray, Saracens winger Sean Maitland and Gloucester centre Chris Harris. In addition, stand-off Finn Russell plays in France for Racing 92. The absence of such key personnel would significantly impact upon Scotland’s chances against France.
Townsend has made four changes to his starting XV to face Ireland at Murrayfield. WP Nel comes in for the suspended Zander Fagerson; Jamie Ritchie returns in place of Blade Thomson; Sean Maitland replaces Darcy Graham and Sam Johnson is picked ahead of James Lang.