“I’m here to tackle anything” – Scotland chief Gregor Townsend responds to critics

Hike to Tonga? If true, it is a strange reaction to the devastating defeat to Argentina. Scottish rugby fans must be gluttons for punishment.

Townsend explained: “It’s great to know that the atmosphere that was created in the New Zealand match and the atmosphere in which Argentina scored and the flower of Scotland was ringing – the fans are behind the team.” “They are very disappointed that we did not win, as we were.

“We don’t have the right to beat every team in the world… but we believe we can. Our fans and players can expect, with what we have here, that we can beat the best teams in the world.”

Scotland can certainly face the best in the world in terms of number of matches, but their winning record against teams above them in the world rankings has been dismal for some time. The team is currently ranked ninth in the world after occupying fifth place before the start of the last World Cup. They are falling behind in terms of winning games (contrary to Townsend’s mantra of being competitive).

How does he explain the relegations, the moments in time that saw New Zealand and Argentina win, the passages in recent seasons that have seen Italy storm back from a huge deficit and beat Scotland, and that have seen Wales, in 2024 and 2025, frighten a Townsend side despite being miles behind on the scoreboard?

His response was: “This is rugby, this is a sport.” “Look at New Zealand. In 20-30 minutes against us they hardly touched the ball. Argentina were 21-0 down.

“And this happens to the best teams. What we have to do is when the momentum starts to shift in the opponent’s favour, we have to find ways to get it back,” he added.

How long can he keep beating the drum? Yes, Scotland outplayed New Zealand for a long time, and yes again, Argentina were beaten early. They both won, and that’s all that really matters. That winning mentality still eludes Scotland despite the years Townsend has spent instilling it. There is still a devastating softness.

Does he expect a review of his performance at the end of the fall? He said: “I don’t know.” “We review every campaign, but you have to ask someone else about that.”

Questions have been asked, but there have been no answers from Murrayfield yet, just as there are few signs that Scotland are getting close to becoming the tough team they need to be. Townsend thinks otherwise. It’s a grim predicament.