SM
Ipswich vs. Man United: 16 hrs 38 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Six Nations | Group Stage
Feb 1, 2020 at 4.45pm UK
 
Ireland
19-12
Scotland
Sexton (10')
FT

Townsend: 'Scotland players are looking forward rather than back'

:Headline: Townsend: 'Scotland players are looking forward rather than back': ID:388082: from db_amp
The Dark Blues got off to a terrible start in Japan as they slumped to a 27-3 loss in their World Cup opener.

Gregor Townsend has wiped Scotland's World Cup slate clean – but warned his team they have to put up a better fight against Ireland than they did four months ago.

The Dark Blues got off to a terrible start in Japan as they slumped to a 27-3 loss in their pool opener.

They recovered to beat Samoa and Russia but suffered a humiliating early exit as they crashed again to the tournament hosts.

Scotland crashed out of the 2019 Rugby World Cup at the pool stage (David Davies/PA)

The Scots will have the chance to avenge their defeat to the Irish on Saturday as they kick off their Guinness Six Nations campaign at the Aviva Stadium.

But Townsend does not believe his team need to use their failure in the Far East as motivation for facing up to Andy Farrell's men in Dublin.

He said: "I don't know if we have a point to prove. What I can say is that the team have prepared really well, the intensity levels and communication in training have been excellent.

"Things have gone well, but we know mindset has a big part to play in high-level sport.

"We have to be focused, confident and prepared to do the tough stuff at the weekend.

"It's a new team. We know the performance in Yokohama wasn't anywhere near good enough but this is a new team. The players are looking forward rather than back."

Scotland were caught cold by Ireland inside the opening 12 minutes in Yokohama as James Ryan and Rory Best both ploughed over to score.

And Townsend admits his side cannot be so slow out of the blocks this time.

"It's important we are in the game and we stay in the fight for as long as possible," he said. "We are looking to impose our game on Ireland but we know that won't be easy.

"When you play a team like Ireland, who have so much quality and they are on their own patch, it's pretty clear they will bring their own energy and their own game.

"The first 20-30 minutes will be tough and we need to be up for that, we need to enjoy the defensive side of the game.

Andy Farrell has taken over as Ireland head coach (Brian Lawless/PA)

"Ireland, out of all the teams in world rugby, make you tackle the most. There will be high tackle numbers.

"It may change with a new coach, but we don't think so, we think the formula will be the along similar lines. They have selected an experienced squad."

Townsend has trusted stand-off Adam Hastings to replace the suspended Finn Russell in Dublin.

Finn Russell misses out against Ireland due to breaching team rules (David Davies/PA)

Russell was told he would not be involved in the championship opener after being disciplined for breaching team rules last week amid allegations the Racing 92 star was involved in a late-night drinking session at the Dark Blues' team hotel.

It remains to be seen if Russell will feature during this year's Six Nations but Hastings will get his chance to prove he can guide the team to victory against one of the sternest defences in world rugby.

Edinburgh's number eight Nick Haining will win his first cap, while club-mate Rory Sutherland will make his first international appearance at prop in three-and-a-half years.

Townsend added: "Nick gets his opportunity on the back of his form for Edinburgh. Whenever he's had his opportunity for Edinburgh he's done well, we are looking forward to seeing him play."

amp_article__388082 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-01-30 17:25:47:
html db last update - 2020-01-30 17:25:47 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Gregor Townsend

Click here for more stories about Scotland

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .