Robinson won't walk the plank
Scotland coach Andy Robinson insisted he has no intention of resigning, after overseeing yet another defeat – as his side went down 17-23 to France in the Six Nations at Murrayfield on Sunday.
The loss was Scotland’s fifth in a row and meant they’d won just two out of 13 Six Nations matches under the ex-England head coach, who before this season’s tournament said: “I do not want to be Scotland coach if we lose most of our games.”
Robinson’s contract with the Scottish Rugby Union runs until after the 2015 World Cup in England.
When asked if Scotland’s third loss in three matches this tournament, following defeats by England and Wales, had prompted him to ponder resignation, Robinson, confronting the damning statistics, replied: “I can’t hide away from what you’re saying and you’re right to bring it up.
“I have total belief that we have the ability to win and that belief was strengthened even more today, as it was against Wales and the England game.”
Scotland took the match to World Cup finalists France, with teenage fullback Stuart Hogg marking his first Test start with an eighth-minute try.
Wing Lee Jones also scored his first Test try but those scores were cancelled out by France, who saw both centre Wesley Fofana and fullback Maxime Medard grab tries.
Robinson said the match had turned on the decision of English referee Wayne Barnes to award France a penalty he felt should have gone Scotland’s way when the hosts were on the attack at 17-13 in front in the second half.
The Scotland boss argued French centre Aurelien Rougerie had gone through a ruck, before, equally illegally, kicking the ball while on the deck.
Soon afterwards, Medard had France’s second try and Robinson said: “I think the turning point of the game was at 17-13 and a penalty which I believe – and I have watched it – should go Scotland’s way in front of the referee.
“It doesn’t and France go and score seven points.
“There were two offences which we felt could have been picked up – and pretty clear as well.
“That was a key moment of the game. It changed the balance of it,” added Robinson, whose side have now become the first Scotland team since 2004 to lose five matches on the bounce.
Scotland’s cause was not helped by injuries to three of their backs either side of half-time.
The loss of halfbacks – No.9 Mike Blair (dead leg) and No.10 Greig Laidlaw (head knock) – took the edge off Scotland, already rocked by the sight of wing Rory Lamont being carted off with a suspected broken leg.
“We lacked a little bit of composure when Rory Lamont went off just before half-time, which allowed France back into the game,” Robinson said.
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre, who saw his side battle back from 0-10 down, said: “I’m proud of my team because it was physical, it was hard, but we didn’t panic.
“Scotland were fantastic in the first 20 minutes,” the former France captain added. “They played a quick game and it was tough for us.
“But after 20 minutes, and after we were 10 points down, I think we controlled the game. Second half, our scrum was good and we rucked very well.
“I think it’s a good win but I’m sure if Scotland carry on like this they can beat any team in the world.”
France now play Ireland, in a fixture postponed due to a frozen Paris pitch, England and Wales in successive weeks.
“It’s a huge game for us next Sunday in the Stade de France – if it’s not freezing,” Saint-Andre said.
AFP
