Gregor calls for Scots to deliver home truths

GREGOR TOWNSEND believes it was not the “true” Scotland who were crushed by Wales in their Six Nations opener.

And now the head coach, above, is backing his players to show what they are really made off as they look to salvage their hopes in the competition at home to France on Sunday.

Townsend’s team were expected to mount a serious title bid this year after their impressive autumn performances. But they fell flat on their faces coming out of the blocks as an errorstrewn display at the Principality Stadium was punished by Warren Gatland’s side in a 34-7 defeat.

“The responsibility for last week lies with the coaches and myself,” said Townsend, who has made six changes to the team. “Whether it is selection or how we prepared, the first thing we look at is how we could have done it better.

“We, as a coaching group, and especially the players, believe what we showed at the weekend wasn’t a true reflection of what we are capable of.”

Townsend has recalled former skipper Greig Laidlaw as well as centre Peter Horne, wing Sean Maitland, prop Simon Berghan, lock Grant Gilchrist and No8 Ryan Wilson.

Scrum-half Ali Price, whose intercepted pass handed Wales’ Gareth Davies the opening score in Cardiff, is joined on the bench by last week’s starters Jon Welsh, Ben Toolis and Chris Harris.

Cornell du Preez and the injured Byron McGuigan drop out of the 23-man squad.