But if he is going to achieve something which would probably top anything else he has achieved as head coach, Scotland will need to summon a level of intensity, resilience and all-round excellence today that has so far proved beyond them against the biggest beasts of international rugby.
The former fly-half enjoyed a starring role in both Lions victories in the famous 1997 series. He was also a replacement in the Scots’ record 21-6 win over the Springboks in 2002, and Andy Robinson’s attack coach for a 21-17 triumph in 2010. Those are the only two occasions in 21 meetings since South Africa were readmitted to Test rugby in 1992 that Scotland have prevailed.
In Townsend’s tenure, there have been three losses – 20-26 in 2018, 15-30 in 2021, both at Murrayfield, and an 18-3 defeat in last year’s World Cup pool meeting in Marseille, where Scotland’s attack was comprehensively shut down by the Boks’ blitz defence.
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Denne historien er fra November 10, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
