Townsend pleased but admits more work needs done

GREGOR TOWNSEND admitted that Scotland made life difficult for themselves in what became a somewhat nervy finish to yesterday’s game against Japan.

On a day which saw captain Stuart Hogg break the national try-scoring record, Scotland’s performance as a collective was less than optimal.

They were disjointed at times and ill-disciplined, as demonstrated by the concession of 11 penalties compared to nine by Japan.

Particularly at the breakdown, they were guilty of repeated infringements around the tackler not rolling away, something which eventually saw prop Jamie Bhatti sin-binned early in the second half.

Scotland had led 19-6 at half-time. But, for the second week in succession, there was an alarming drop-off in their performance in the second half.

Indeed, Japan actually won the second half 14-10 — and they were within a converted score until a Finn Russell penalty eventually put the game to bed in the final minutes.

Asked if they had made it difficult for themselves, Townsend said: ‘Yeah, we did, and part of that was having to go through a period when we were down to 14 men.

‘I felt it was quite a harsh yellow card.

We’d given away penalties early on in the game and then Japan gave a number away.

‘But we got through that period well and got a very good maul try. We also had an opportunity with a quick tap which didn’t work out for us, maybe we could have gone to the corner and gone back to the maul.

‘We always felt in control of the scoreboard even though Japan were threatening us with the ambitious and accurate attack they brought.

‘It’s important we have these tests in games. Japan are a quality side and that was them back up at the level they played at the World Cup. We need to go through these tests and find ways to win, which we did today.

‘It was a real Test match. Japan showed the level of play we had from them in (the World Cup) 2019, the level we knew was coming.

‘They are an ambitious and accurate team and it is difficult when you are defending long phases to get yourself into the game.

‘Not many teams will keep the ball in their own half and go through the phases. I think they are the only ones in world rugby.

‘I’ve got to commend the defensive effort. We had to come through adversity with penalties against us and the yellow card.

‘I felt our contact work in attack was the best it has been in the whole campaign. It was an area we were focused on improving after last week, so that was really pleasing.’

Asked for his thoughts on the Autumn campaign as a whole, Townsend added: ‘We’ve certainly introduced more players into our squad — 12 new caps, which is unheard of. And we’ve also seen players thrive in our environment, thrive when they’ve had the opportunity to play.

‘We’ve developed further, we’ve tried to take our defensive game on, get a bit more extra out of our defence — it’s something we’re still working on.

‘We’ve been resilient at times, today and against Australia in particular, we’ve found ways to win.

‘And also we’ve got lots to improve. We’ll play teams with a similar philosophy and strength to South Africa in the Six Nations. We’ll get that in our next game, which is here against England.

‘Every time you play, it’s not going to be perfect but I feel that the players are working so well together.

‘I loved the four weeks spent in their company and seeing them both at training and off the field.

‘We can’t wait to get them back together in a couple of months’ time.’