Scotland’s Six Nations title hopes dependent on doing something they've never done under Gregor Townsend
Scotland emerged as 50-40 winners over France at Murrayfield in the Six Nations to end the visitors' Grand Slam hopes.
Gregor Townsend’s side tore the French defence to shreds at times with their superb handling, crisp passing and perfect support lines.
The Scots now have the chance of winning both the Six Nations - their first ever, as their last title came when it was the Five Nations in 1999 - and the Triple Crown, which they have not won since 1990.
Townsend and his side would go down in history if they could secure the Six Nations next weekend and would be disappointed they did not stop France getting the bonus point, as their title hopes are not in their hands as Les Bleus enter the final day top of the table.
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However, they will require a favour from England if they wish to do so next weekend.
Steve Borthwick’s side will need to play their part and ensure Scotland better France’s result, so a draw or victory for the English could guarantee the title ends up in Edinburgh.
Ireland are still in with a chance of winning the Six Nations next week, but they need to beat Scotland and hope England do them a favour by beating the French.
This fixture against Ireland is vital, and there may not have been as important a clash between the two, so Townsend’s record against the Irish will be worrying for Scottish fans.
Townsend has never managed to beat the Irish since his appointment as head coach in either the World Cup or Six Nations.
This should provide the Irish with confidence going into this fixture, with Andy Farrell’s side desperate to keep this record right the way through to the World Cup as the pair have been drawn in the same pool.
Yet, this Scotland side appears to be a different beast, and they may fully back themselves to end this terrible record and secure the Triple Crown - and potentially the Six Nations.
Topics: Rugby, Rugby Union, Scotland, England, France
Brendan McGilligan