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.
Denne historien er fra November 10, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra November 10, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Edwards gives Gatland a little to think about
A TERRIFIC effort from Ospreys should have seen victory and it was rough justice that high-flying Cardiff escaped with an undeserved draw.
Cowan-Dickie: I'm back and buzzing
LUKE Cowan-Dickie's journey back to the pinnacle of rugby is nothing short of extraordinary.
Clow keeps Rams in touch at the top
RAMS inward approach is paying dividends with the club involved in another title race thanks in part to free scoring flyer Zachary Clow.
Powell powers over to take Quins home
PLAYMAKER Kayleigh Powell powered past four defenders to score the eighth Harlequins try and narrowly edge out a spirited Trailfinders side to secure a late comeback win in a 15-try derby thriller.
Hathaway can follow Zam Skivington
GEORGE Skivington has backed Josh Hathaway to continue to go from strength to strength as the young winger attempts to follow in the slipstream of Louis Rees-Zammit and be a big hit for club and country.
Hybrid Hash will tie Borthwick in knots
THE description 'Hybrid Central Contracts' does not inspire confidence. Hybrid usually means a bit of this, and a bit of that — and 'Hybrid Hash' would be a more apt term for the RFU contracts given to 17 England players just before the autumn series slump.
Quins leave it late to power past Falcons
MARCUS Smith showed his class on Friday night, being an imperious creator and finisher as Harlequins romped to an emphatic five-try victory on Tyneside.
We need to see a complete shake-up
A NEW year and change is on the way across many aspects of the game, not least with the possibility of an SGM creating a complete change at the RFU.
Cool McBryde steals it for RGC
BILLY McBryde held his nerve to land a last kick of the match conversion to snatch a stunning 4139 win for RGC over leaders Ebbw Vale at Parc Eirias.
Century of highs for La Rochelle
AN IMPRESSIVE milestone at Stade Marcel Deflandre was reached last night, where La Rochelle hosted their 100th sell-out match in a row – either side of the period of pandemic restrictions – a run stretching back to January 2, 2016.
