Townsend on title talk, 'determined' Williamson & Ireland analysis

[ASFN Admin]

Head coach Gregor Townsend has been speaking to the media after naming his Scotland side to face Ireland in their final Six Nations game.

Here are the main points:

• Townsend says Scotland have "not talked about" the chance to win the title this weekend, adding "it's the final opportunity for this group to go out and play".
• He insists "the belief is there" despite a poor record against Ireland but knows playing away from home in such a high-stakes game is "a big challenge in itself".
• He adds: "Ireland seem to play very well against us so that's what we're expecting."
• Townsend is impressed with how the players have responded to "momentum swings" in games throughout the Six Nations campaign, adding that was "one big area" they wanted to improve upon following the Autumn Tests.
• The Scotland coach stresses "it's not a final, it's not a cup final, there's not just two teams in this Championship". But he adds: "It's the last game of the tournament so we'll leave everything out there."
• It's been 16 years since Scotland last beat Ireland in Dublin but Townsend says "we don't talk about that. The players know if they put that effort in and they match the physicality, then you'll get your rewards."
• Townsend insists he has not thought about leading Scotland to a first Six Nations title: "No. It's out of our hands really. We can only do a certain amount. It's a game for us to play against an opponent that's had the upper hand on us for years."
• The Scotland boss hopes his team can play with a bit of pressure off knowing their title fate is out of their hands, adding "that's how we've gone into each game".
• The Scotland boss also wouldn't be drawn on the prospect of completing the Triple Crown with a win against Ireland but admits it "would be great to finish the championship with a win and finish on a high".
• Scotland "haven't spent too much time" looking at Ireland, with Townsend admitting he has been "guilty" of over-analysing them in the past.
• On team selection, Townsend says Max Williamson will be "determined to play his best rugby" after struggling against Wales.
• Magnus Bradbury "brings us that front-foot ball carry" while Kyle Rowe has been impressing in training. Freddy Douglas and Josh Bayliss are "unlucky to miss out".

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