The Albany Gazette - Scotland coach Townsend under pressure as England await

Another victory in rugby union's oldest international fixture may even be used as fresh evidence that while Scotland can get themselves up for the full 80 minutes against the Auld Enemy, they often struggle to do likewise against other leading teams.

Scotland have returned to Edinburgh for this weekend's second round following a dispiriting 18-15 loss to Italy in their tournament opener, the final scoreline in a rain-sodden Rome belying how much they were outplayed in all departments by the improving Azzurri.

"I believe in the players, I believe in what we're doing," said Townsend, who had his head in his hands come full-time at the Stadio Olimpico. "It didn't happen (against Italy) and we've got to make sure it happens next week."

Former Scotland captain John Barclay then warned that if they fail to finish in the top three in the Six Nations it "becomes a necessity to see a change" before the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Townsend, however, has been Scotland coach for nine years, with the team never finishing higher than third in the Six Nations in that time.

Despite that modest record and the Dark Blues' failure to get out of the group stage at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, Townsend was given a new two-year deal in September that takes him to the 2027 edition.

Turning the tide as Scotland coach in Calcutta Cup clashes against England -- five wins and a draw in eight matches -- has been the highlight of his reign.

But for all the talk of a "golden generation" of players, the Scots have too often shown an inability to absorb pressure.

- Smith alternative -

This was particularly evident against Argentina in November where Scotland led 21-0 early in the second half only to lose 33-24 to the Pumas, an indication of a lack of strength in depth.

Yet many of those same Scotland players have featured in Glasgow's wins over European heavyweights Toulouse and Saracens in this season's Champions Cup, leading some supporters to wonder if Warriors boss Franco Smith should take over from Townsend.

The 52-year-old's decision to take on a consultancy role with Red Bull, the owners of English Prem club Newcastle, led to accusations he was no longer fully focused on his Scotland role.

Reports emerged last week that Townsend has been lined up to take over as director of rugby at Newcastle when his Scotland contract expires.

Clive Woodward, England's 2003 World Cup-winning coach, was scathing.

"Coaching in international rugby is so all-consuming, full-on and downright demanding that it must have 100 percent of your focus," wrote Woodward in the Daily Mail.

"Taking a consultancy role with Red Bull, and his likely impending appointment as coach of Red Bull-owned Newcastle, is him shooting himself in the foot."

But he does have a supporter in current England boss Steve Borthwick, who claimed Scotland fans are lucky to have Townsend.

England travel north on an impressive 12-game winning streak but last won at Murrayfield in 2020.

"I was told recently that he has the best win record of any Scotland coach in the professional era," said Borthwick. "He's a phenomenal coach and they (Scotland fans) should spend more time supporting him."

(O.Robinson--TAG)