Borthwick's take on struggling Scotland coach Townsend
SPOTLIGHT: England head coach Steve Borthwick gave his verdict on Scotland coach Gregor Townsend.
Borthwick insists under-fire Scotland head coach Townsend deserves to keep his job regardless of the result in Saturday’s Six Nations clash.
Townsend faced calls for his sacking after Scotland’s embarrassing 15-18 loss to Italy in Rome in their Six Nations opener.
Former Scotland captain John Barclay said this week that if they fail to finish in the top three in the Six Nations, then it “becomes a necessity to see a change” before the 2027 World Cup.
Townsend was unable to guide Scotland out of the group stage of the 2019 and 2023 World Cups and has never finished higher than third in the Six Nations during his nine years in charge.
But Borthwick said ahead of England’s attempt to claim a first win at Murrayfield since 2020: “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.”
Borthwick added he believes Townsend should have more backing.
“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.”
