England coach Steve Borthwick has thrown his support behind embattled Scotland boss Gregor Townsend.
The former England lock insists he deserves backing, regardless of what happens at Murrayfield this weekend.
Townsend is under mounting pressure after Scotland’s shock 18-15 defeat to Italy in Rome in their Six Nations opener. Former captain John Barclay said this week that if Scotland fail to finish in the top three, it would “become a necessity to see a change” ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
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The criticism comes amid a mixed record. Townsend has never guided Scotland beyond the pool stage of a World Cup (2019 and 2023) and has yet to better a third-place finish in the Six Nations during his nine-year tenure.
But Borthwick, preparing his England side for their first win at Murrayfield since 2020, was unequivocal in his praise.
“I think Gregor Townsend is a wonderful coach. I was told recently that he has the best win record of any Scotland coach in the professional era.”
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Borthwick said the scrutiny surprised him.
“The way he has coached the attack they have and the way they move the ball, when they do that they look terrific,” he said.
“I have immense respect for him as a coach and I find it surprising that people are not spending more time talking about Scotland rather than not supporting their coach.
“He’s a phenomenal coach and they should spend more time supporting him.”
– AFP
Photo: Remo Casilli/REUTERS
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