The Scottish Mail on Sunday

TOWNSEND WILL NOT

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GREGOR TOWNSEND leapt to the defence of Blair Kinghorn — insisting that the rookie fly-half could be proud of his performanc­e against Ireland.

Pitched in ahead of Finn Russell, Kinghorn struggled to have much influence on the game as the Scots were soundly beaten in Dublin.

It was a baptism of fire on his first start at flyhalf in the Six Nations, with many fans critical of his performanc­e on social media.

But Townsend insisted that the Edinburgh playmaker will be better for the experience after a tough outing against Johnny Sexton and the Irish.

‘I thought he played very well,’ said the

 ?? ?? A BAPTISM OF FIRE: Blair Kinghorn struggles to make headway for Scotland against the mighty Irish
A BAPTISM OF FIRE: Blair Kinghorn struggles to make headway for Scotland against the mighty Irish

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