We can do it, says Townsend

GREGOR TOWNSEND insists Vern Cotter’s Scots can emulate the heroes of 1999 by beating France in Paris. Townsend (left) scored a try in the famous 36-22 victory which secured the Five Nations title but turned out to be Scotland’s lastever away win over Les Bleus. The home crowd turned against their own team that day and the Glasgow Warriors head coach believes a fast start from Scotland could lead to a similar reaction and outcome on Sunday. ‘The atmosphere can turn on the French team if the opposition really have a go at them,’ said Townsend, who replaces Cotter as Scotland

boss next summer. ‘The way the confidence is going through the Scotland team just now, I’m sure that’s going to be the plan. They’re playing really well and the gap between the so-called best international teams in the world and those just below is much closer.’ Nine of Townsend’s Glasgow stars were in the starting XV which beat Ireland at Murrayfield last weekend, with four on the bench. Singling out Stuart Hogg, Alex Dunbar and young tighthead Zander Fagerson for special mentions, the ex-Scotland skipper said: ‘I was delighted for Stuart and Alex and seeing all the players perform so well was great. Also, what a performance from Zander. Not only at the scrum, which improved against a very good Irish pack, but to be able to do what he was doing in contact, in ballcarrying and in defence for the full 80, is brilliant. ‘They all would take huge satisfaction after that win over Ireland. It will give them confidence that they can win in Paris, although this is a very good French side.’ Meanwhile, Townsend confirmed winger Rory Hughes has signed a new deal which will keep him at Glasgow until 2019. The Warriors have also signed fly-half Brandon Thomson, 21, on a short-term deal from the Stormers in South Africa with Peter Horne injured and Finn Russell on Six Nations duty.