Toony: Dropped skipper Laidlaw not on the way out

GREGOR TOWNSEND insists his decision to bench Greig Laidlaw doesn’t signal the beginning of the end of the Scotland skipper’s international career.

The head coach has named Glasgow’s Ali Price as his replacement for the Clermont scrum-half, who boasts 68 caps, in one of four changes for tomorrow’s Six Nations clash against Wales.

Despite Townsend’s tinkering of a team which has lost back-to-back games against Ireland and France, he’s adamant Laidlaw’s absence from the starting line-up shouldn’t be regarded as a changing of the guard ahead of this year’s Rugby World Cup.

He said: “Greig’s the only player who has started our past six Tests which shows how important a member of our squad he is. He will have a different role off the bench but will have an important part to play on Saturday.

“His reaction is what you’d expect from someone who really wants to play for Scotland, he’s disappointed.

“He is determined to show he should be starting and has been very professional in the buildup. He is still a key leader and of what we’re capable of and finish as high up as we can.

“Playing at home requires even more determination. It is our last home game of the season so it is time we delivered an 80-minute performance.

“The analysis after the France match was more prolonged because we had two weeks before this game. It was tougher having to watch it for another few times and go over the reasons we felt we didn’t put in the performance we strived for.

“It gives us time to reflect and change things training wise, look at each position and whether a change will help us win. It is also a good process to go through as a team.

“We are not going to win every game. It is disappointing and hurts a lot when you lose. These learning opportunities will make us stronger.”