Williams scotches sacking speculation

SCOTLAND coach Matt Williams has hit back at speculation that he is on the verge of being sacked by the Scottish Rugby Union.

Williams was under fire again following Saturday's 43-22 RBS 6 Nations defeat to England, after record defeats to Ireland and Wales.

Williams confirmed he has had a meeting with SRU director of rugby Ian McGeechan but reacted angrily to reports that crisis talks over his future had taken place.

He said: "That is simply inaccurate. We are totally committed to the next World Cup and the wealth of negative, inaccurate comment has made the positives of the tournament impossible for people."

When asked if he still felt he had a future as Scotland coach, he replied: "Absolutely."

The SRU offered no comment on "unfounded speculation" regarding the Australian.

Scotland legend Doddie Weir has called for Williams to be removed, stating that his record of 14 defeats in his 17 Tests in charge speaks for itself.

Weir said: "It's time for a change. Played 17, lost 14 is not a good track record. There is the basis of a good team there but they need someone else in charge."

Williams claimed earlier yesterday that he expects to see out his contract, which runs through to the World Cup in September 2007. But former Newcastle and Borders lock Weir insists the manner in which Scotland lost to England and several other Test defeats is cause for concern.

He added: "I'm disappointed in the same way that every Scotsman who follows rugby is disappointed, even though we weren't expected to do much.

"At the end of the day, it is because of the way the game was played that the finger of blame has to be pointed somewhere and it's usually at the man in charge. In this case that man is Matt Williams.

"If the wheels aren't turning properly and things aren't going well then someone has to be held responsible, so the buck has to stop with him."

Media reports yesterday also suggest a rift in the dressing room, with senior squad members unhappy their suggestions and opinions are being brushed aside by Williams and his backroom staff, despite their on-field problems.

But Weir believes the axe will fall because the unrest is far more widespread than the confines of the dressing room.

He said: "When the chips are down you tend to hear stories that the players are unhappy and it has been well documented that there has been a bit of unrest. But I don't think that only applies to the dressing room I think the supporters, the media and the public in general are unhappy."