Scotland need to replicate the performance that saw them
upset England at the start of the Six Nations if they are to finish this year’s
competition with victory in France, coach Gregor Townsend said on Wednesday.
اضافة اعلان
The teams play their re-arranged game at the Stade de France
on Friday with the hosts needing to beat Scotland by 21 points to secure a
bonus point and pip Wales to the title. Scotland must win by more than eight
points to finish second and by more than five to come third.
"If we’re able to replicate our performance from
Twickenham, we’ll certainly be in with a shout of winning the game. That was
the best I’ve seen us play," said Townsend of the 11-6 win over England
last month.
"How we matched England up front will be very relevant
to our chances of success against the French pack."
"France could go out and open up their game. They have
played some really good attacking rugby – but it’s based on a long kicking game
and solid defense."
"We’ve shown that we can play very well away from home.
We’ve played France a couple of times in the past 12 months and they’ve both
been close games."
"I would hope they would know we’ll be a tough opponent
for them," he told a news conference.
Townsend has restored flyhalf Finn Russell, who plays his
club rugby in France, to the team, after a concussion injury, to lead the
side’s attack.
"It’s an important game for Finn. I’m sure this is the
game he looks forward to more than any other," added Townsend.
"I’m sure he’s just itching to get back out there and
lead this team. There will be opportunities that present themselves. As long as
we’re connected around him, we should be able to take them."
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