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July 2026
The Namibian
Coach Gregor Townsendmadetwo other changes to his starting line-up
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“Coach Gregor Townsend made two other changes to his starting line-up as Scotland seek to end a nine-match losing streak against the record four-time Rugby World Cup champions.”
Gregor Townsend's menbounced back to beatEngland and Wales after Italy loss
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“Scotland lost their opening match in Italy but Gregor Townsend's men bounced back to beat England and Wales before ending France's hopes of a Grand Slam with a stunning 50-40 win at the weekend.”
Gregor Townsendinsists Scotland's focus is solely onFrance, not Six Nations title race
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“Gregor Townsend is adamant his only concern when Scotland face France in the Six Nations in Edinburgh on Saturday is overseeing a winning performance, regardless of what it means for the destiny of the title.”
Gregor Townsenddenied having signed a contractbeyond the World Cup with Newcastle
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“"There's no truth I've signed the contract beyond the World Cup and my focus is on the Scotland team right now and hopefully up to the World Cup," added Townsend.”
Gregor Townsendwill take charge ofhis ninth Six Nations campaign
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“Townsend, who will take charge of his ninth Six Nations campaign, came under scrutiny in November after his side blew promising positions before losing to New Zealand and Argentina.”
Finn Russell, the 33-year-old flyhalf, returns to Scotland's team for a Nations Championship match against world champions South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday after missing a victory over Argentina due to a calf injury. Coach Gregor Townsend made three changes to the starting lineup as Scotland seek to end a nine-match losing streak against the four-time Rugby World Cup champions.
Finn Russell, the 33-year-old flyhalf, returns to Scotland's team for a Nations Championship match against world champions South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday after missing a victory over Argentina due to a calf injury. Coach Gregor Townsend made three changes to the starting lineup as Scotland seek to end a nine-match losing streak against the four-time Rugby World Cup champions.
France's reigning Six Nations champions remain in pole position to retain the title despite losing their Grand Slam hopes to Scotland, with head coach Fabien Galthie saying a bonus-point victory over England on Saturday would almost certainly secure the championship.
Scotland can win the Six Nations championship for the first time in the era if they beat Ireland on Saturday and France lose to England. Back-row forward Rory Darge said the team is prepared for the pressure, though Scotland have not won in Dublin since 2010.
Scotland's 50-40 home victory over France with seven tries has kept the Six Nations title race alive ahead of the final day, with France and Scotland now level on 16 points. France can secure back-to-back titles if they match Scotland's result in their respective final matches against England and Ireland.
Gregor Townsend says Scotland's sole focus is beating France in the Six Nations on Saturday in Edinburgh, rather than the championship implications. A Scotland bonus-point win could put them atop the standings heading into their final match against Ireland, though Townsend insists the team believes it can win both remaining games.
Scotland revived their Six Nations campaign with a commanding 31-20 victory over England at Murrayfield, ending England's 12-match unbeaten run. Huw Jones scored two tries as Scotland built a 24-10 halftime lead, with England reduced to 14 men following Henry Arundell's red card.
France's 36-14 win over Ireland and England's 48-7 rout of Wales marked dominant opening rounds of the Six Nations Championship, with France vindicating coach Fabien Galthie's squad selections and England's George Ford orchestrating his team's victory. Scotland's narrow 18-15 defeat to Italy has renewed focus on coach Gregor Townsend's tenure, as the side continues to struggle against adversity.
Italy defeated Scotland 18-15 in their Six Nations opener in Rome on Saturday, leading throughout the match despite poor wet conditions. The result increases pressure on Scotland coach Gregor Townsend following a series of poor results.
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has left out top try-scorers Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham, plus fullback Blair Kinghorn, for Saturday's Six Nations opener in Rome, instead selecting Tom Jordan at full-back and Glasgow wings Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie. Townsend said the three dropped players "have had some terrific games" but the new back three "deserve their starts given how well they've been playing."
Gregor Townsend said Scotland can compete with anyone in the Six Nations this year, citing positive performances in key matches against New Zealand, France and England despite losses, and noting momentum from Glasgow Warriors' strong recent form. He acknowledged the team needs to maintain performance across all five matches, having struggled in one game during last year's tournament.