FIT-AGAIN STARS A BOOST FOR BOSS
SCOTLAND head coach Gregor Townsend believes his side are in a perfect position to give Six Nations championship chasers France a run for their money in Paris.
The French need to secure a bonuspoint win by a margin of 21 points to pip Wales for the title.
However, Townsend feels his team is in a good place after coming through the confidence-boosting 52-10 win over Italy with no new injury worries.
To add to his optimism, he found out after the final whistle that a financial resolution had been found to allow all his top players based in England, such as captain Stuart Hogg, to be released to play in the fixture.
Also, Finn Russell and Jonny Gray could return from injury to further bolster his side.
‘Obviously Finn should be available and we’ll monitor Jonny Gray’s progress as they’re key players for us,’ said Townsend.
‘We’ll have a good review of our game against Italy to see whether players are going to be selected again next week and whether they’re right for our game plan for France.
‘We’re now going to have a situation where we’ve got more players to select from, more players with game experience, putting pressure on those who started those first three games.’
Townsend singled out three players for special mention after the Italy win, all of whom may come into his thinking to play against France.
‘Scott Steele and Dave Cherry on their first starts for their country were both outstanding,’ he said. ‘You look for players to take their opportunities by working hard, by being confident, by connecting with others in the team and they both did that. It was great to see them score tries and be part of a winning team on their first starts.
‘Huw Jones did well and I thought the back line all looked dangerous. There were a few times I was urging the backs to have more of a go themselves.
‘I think we were getting to the wide channels and maybe it could have been on to play more through Italy but when we did, we looked dangerous and Huw was one of those players who looked dangerous.’