Scotland have improved on Townsend’s watch, however there’s nothing tangible to point out for it and, whereas it’s laborious to gauge these items, there’s particular assist on the market for an overhaul.
Eight years – which is now set to develop into 10 years – is a mammoth innings and his critics have grown over time.
These Scotland followers who’ve been searching for change would have been hopeful of Glasgow’s Franco Smith getting into the function of nationwide coach. There’s a feeling amongst that group of supporters that the group has stagnated underneath Townsend in current seasons.
For all the wonderful one-off wins, Scotland have by no means correctly challenged for a Six Nations title, with simply two third-place finishes underneath Townsend in eight makes an attempt and a median ending place of fourth.
The group has develop into vastly entertaining on its greatest days – therefore the exceptional variety of sell-outs at Murrayfield – however there has not been the depth of squad and consistency to contend.
Townsend took them to a report excessive of fifth on the planet, however following on from their defeat to Fiji in Suva in the summertime, they now rank eighth.
He has additionally failed at two successive World Cups, exiting within the pool stage in Japan in 2019 and once more in France in 2023.
Unquestionably, making up for such disappointment is a part of why Townsend needs to remain on. That, and by no means having gone to the wire within the Six Nations, will go away him with a sense of unfinished enterprise.
The World Cup draw takes place in December and this time round it is going to function six teams of 4 groups, with the highest six on the planet rankings heading up every group.
That’s excellent news for Townsend as he seeks to get out of a bunch for the primary time.
In France in 2023, they suffered a horror draw when pitched-in with South Africa (the holders) and Eire (on the time, the world primary), with solely the highest two qualifying.
Even with a world rating of eight, within the new 24-nation format, Scotland couldn’t be landed with an analogous pool of dying in Australia.
They’d be seeded second within the group, with the 2 high international locations, plus the 4 greatest third-place groups throughout all teams, making it to the final 16 knockouts.
That may be a friendlier panorama for Scotland and a extra interesting one for Townsend.
Now that his future is safe, the planning begins for the autumn, the marquee Check being that go to by the All Blacks on 8 November.
Townsend has had two cracks at them as coach, a five-point loss in 2017 and an eight-point loss in 2022.
In 32 Assessments, Scotland have drawn two and misplaced 30 towards the All Blacks.
If historical past was made at Murrayfield, those that oppose his reappointment may simply fade away.
