Gregor Townsend puts faith in 'fearless' Scots against Ireland

The head coach declared that his underdogs will have “nothing to lose”

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend during a training session at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, France. Picture date: Friday September 29, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story RUGBYU World Cup Scotland. Photo credit should read: Adam Davy/PA Wire

Gregor Townsend has promised that his Scotland team will be “fearless” as they take on Ireland in their do-or-die World Cup Pool B encounter in Saint-Denis this Saturday.

The head coach declared that his underdogs, who need to beat the world number one by eight points or more to pip them to a knockout spot, will have “nothing to lose” in the eagerly awaited tie between the Celtic cousins.

“That's the way we've been thinking and planning this week,” he said.” Scotland have failed to get the better of Ireland since 2017. It’s a run that encompasses eight straight losses, including their meeting in the opening round of the 2019 World Cup in Yokohama. This is a big ask whichever way people cut it.

The Scots came into this tournament knowing they would have to beat either South Africa or Ireland and an opening 18-3 defeat to the reigning champions leaves them with one more chance to scale the heights before them.

Why, Townsend was asked, did he think they could this, now?

“Well, why not? The players have performed in massive games before, We were underdogs but we have broken records before, whether it was not winning in Paris, not winning at Twickenham, we hadn't beaten England for seven or years.

“This is another opportunity to break another record. We believe in them, we believe in where they are mentally as a group and where they are physically. They are ready to play their best rugby.” Townsend sprung something of a surprise in naming Ali Price as his scrum-half. Ben White, his main man at No.9 for the bones of a year, doesn’t even make the bench. George Horne will provide backup instead.

That apart, the team is as expected with Rory Darge holding off the claims of Hamish Watson in the back row and Huw Jones again given the nod despite the suspicion that Chris Harris would make for a more effective buffer in the midfield.

The choice of a 6-2 split on the bench is not unusual for this Scotland team either.

Ireland have been able to name a strong XV and an impressive reserve to go with it but the hope for Scotland is that they will still be within touching distance of the required eight-point winning margin come the dying moments.

Until that theoretical scenario becomes reality nothing will change.

“No, our approach would be similar if we were just looking to win the game. It may lead to less pressure about having to kick a goal but looking to score tries is another thing we have to look do this weekend as well,” said Townsend.

“There are two scenarios for us to get through: one is eight points and one is to score more tries so it suits how we would approach normal games which would be to aim to score tries [for a bonus point] when we are in the opposition 22.

“It's important that we get those opportunities, Ireland have been very good at not giving up too many opportunities inside their 22 over the last two to three years and that's a goal for us, to make sure we are in there a few times this weekend.” 

SCOTLAND: B Kinghorn; D Graham, H Jones, S Tuipulotu, D van der Merwe; F Russell, A Price; P Schoeman, G Turner, Z Fagerson;, R Gray, G Gilchrist; J Ritchie, R Darge, J Dempsey.

Replacements: E Ashman, R Sutherland, WP Nel, S Cummings, M Fagerson, L Crosbie, G Horne, O Smith.