Pain of defeat against England
Joe Schmidt is being forced to play Quinn Roux, Ultan Dillane, Jack Conan and Chris Farrell. Winning a tight one like this, at a tough venue, can only help their development. The Robbie Henshaw full-back experiment did not work all that well versus England. But at least it gave the Leinster player time in the position. Schmidt needs back-up for Rob
have to cover every part of your game to beat the best teams.”
Scotland’s attention now turns to a trip to Paris in two weeks’ time, where they have not won for 20 years. Townsend is clear that if his side reproduce the second-half errors that derailed their challenge at Murrayfield, the losing streak in Paris will not end any time soon.
“We have to do much better in Paris,” he admitted. “Our game plan is based on what we want to do, and that was the pleasing aspect against Ireland because we were up against a team who are fit but we were able to play the way we wanted to in attack and, in the first half, that brought rewards.
“France jackal a lot more in contact, but we’re not going to fundamentally change the way we play.” Kearney, who was great on Saturday. England and Scotland also exposed other weaknesses; a one-paced back row, susceptibility to fast powerful rucking and lack of depth in certain positions.
While defeat ended Scotland’s three-year winning streak in the Six Nations at Murrayfield, the Scotland coach did not believe it had a wider significance. In particular, he said it had no relevance to a match of huge importance to both Scotland and Ireland – their opening pool match at the World Cup, when the sides meet in an encounter which could decide who avoids New Zealand in the quarter-finals.
“I was speaking to [Ireland assistant coach] Andy Farrell before the game and we both said Yokohama feels like another world,” said Townsend. “It’s the first game of the World Cup so how well you do in your camp, and how well you get your plays in place in those friendlies, will have more relevance than this game.” one.
(Ireland) The clear man of the match in Ireland’s victory over Scotland. His work rate is simply exceptional and he knows how to push the laws right to the very edge. A word for Mark Wilson though, who was just brilliant.
(Italy)
I like the look of him as a player. Took his try well and carried hard, making real inroads against the Welsh in a game the Italians will feel they could have won. Did not deserve to be on the losing side.
(Wales) Was playing out of position but emerged as a real leader in an inexperienced back row. Is developing all the time and could well have a huge impact at the World Cup. What was he doing trying to throw that pass to Sean Maitland? His It may seem like May overload but I am not sure there is any fellow wing could not take it and Jacob Stockdale pounced to score. alternative. What a player he has turned into over the past 18 months.