Townsend will get warmth for this newest loss, not simply because they have been crushed – most individuals predicted an away win – however as a result of they have been crushed taking part in the identical model of rugby that all the time sees them crushed by Eire.
On Townsend’s watch, Scotland have received 5 out of seven in opposition to England, with one draw. They’ve crushed France 5 instances and have crushed Wales twice in a row – with historic away victories in opposition to each.
They’re 4 wins from 5 in opposition to the Wallabies and, in two Exams in opposition to the All Blacks, they have been there till the tip, dropping one by 5 and the opposite by eight. However Eire? It is a recurring nightmare.
There was a listing of issues that Scotland needed to do, and couldn’t do, that was so long as the Corstorphine Highway they usually barely ticked a field. Stifled, once more. Unable to deal with Eire’s strain, once more. Error-ridden, once more.
Blair Kinghorn would possibly play for the best membership on this planet, however he had no nice protectors right here as he does at Toulouse. The total-back had certainly one of his worst days in a Scotland jersey. A proficient athlete, the inexperienced shirt is his kryptonite and he’s not alone in that.
Scotland wanted extra aggression, extra belligerence, extra directness, however they can’t reside with Eire in these areas. They do not have sufficient heavies. There may be solely a sure stage of nasty on this workforce – and that is a part of the issue.
Scotland can win, or not less than be aggressive, in opposition to most nations as of late as a result of their backs can have a devastating affect, however in opposition to the unrelenting Eire machine, it is a totally different story.
Townsend badly missed captain Sione Tuipulotu’s dominant presence within the midfield and also you sense that, if a few of his different second rows weren’t injured proper now, he wouldn’t have began with the 2 he began with.
When they’re again on their toes, the current, and future, within the second row are Scott Cummings and Max Williamson together with Gregor Brown and Cameron Henderson.
Scotland want extra thunder, extra brutes. To get to a different stage, they want monsters to fulfill the likes of Eire on the gainline and hammer them backwards.
They do not have something just like the carries or the drive from their locks when it’s Grant Gilchrist and Jonny Grey, fantastic gamers although they’re.
You may add Andy Onyeama-Christie into the combo of sadly absent warriors. Whether or not from the beginning or off the bench, the again row is a part of the answer.
In Dublin final yr, in a sport that went to the wire with solely 4 factors between them on the finish, the Saracens ahead had a improbable edge to him and made 31 tackles. So, there’s a cavalry, but it surely’s stricken proper now.
We cannot see them this Six Nations, which is painful, as a result of it is England away subsequent and the chances are in opposition to Scotland making it 5 in a row.
England should not Eire, although. So the psychology is totally different and the hope is actual.
Scotland is not going to be crushed earlier than the primary whistle at Twickenham. That was the suspicion on Sunday.
Outplayed, sure. Overpowered, undoubtedly. However you bought a way, too – and never for the primary time – that it was over nearly earlier than it started.
