Coach Gregor Townsend insists Scotland’s only concern against France on Saturday is delivering a winning performance.
A bonus-point win for France at Murrayfield would see the reigning champions retain their title with a game to spare, regardless of other results.
But were Scotland to claim a bonus-point victory, while denying France a losing bonus point, they would be top of the table heading into their final match away to Ireland on 14 March and in with a chance of their first title of the Six Nations era.
Even if they lose to France, the Scots will still travel to Dublin in pursuit of the Triple Crown – the prize one of the four Home Nations gets for beating all the others in a single championship season – following a comprehensive 31-20 defeat of England and a tense, come-from-behind, 26-23 win away to Wales a fortnight ago.
TEAM: Schoeman starts for Scots, Duhan dropped
“I think it’s obviously about what we can do, staying in the championship for another week,” Scotland coach Townsend told reporters on Thursday after naming his team to play France.
“We know we’ve got that final game and things to play for in Dublin, but it’s about us winning. That’s what we’re here for.
“Whatever that means in the championship, we’ll see after the game but it’s about us delivering a winning performance.”
TEAM: France recall fit-again Jalibert
But former Scotland playmaker Townsend reckons his side are capable of back-to-back wins over France and Ireland.
“Yes. I believe in the group,” he said. “Any game we go in to, we believe we can beat our opposition. We know we have to be up there at nine out of 10 level to beat these top teams and that’s what we’re working towards.
“France have shown over the last two or three games they’re the best attacking team in the world but it’s the next game that counts.”
AFRICA PICKS: Six Nations Round 4 – Ireland vs Wales betting preview
– AFP
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Scots not focused on Six Nations title appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
