Online Reporter
Gregor Townsend believes Scotland raised the bar to a new level after a stunning victory over France blew the Six Nations championship wide open.
The Scots scored seven tries and 50 points in a rampant display which will rank as arguably their greatest performance of the professional era.
France had been chasing a Grand Slam and scored six tries and 40 points of their own in what proved to be an all-time classic contest.
By picking up a bonus point even in defeat, it is Les Bleus who ultimately head into the final weekend still top of the table via their superior points difference.
Scotland now need to beat Ireland, who could also still win the title, in Dublin, whilst hoping that England can do them a favour against the French in Paris.
Hailing the best performance and result of his tenure, Townsend said: ‘It was a brilliant day for our supporters. Not just the rugby we played, but the mindset to keep attacking, a lot of teams would sit on that lead against France.
‘‘I think in the second half, in that third quarter of the game just after half-time, that was another step up. I think we went for the jugular.
‘‘I’ll let you guys decide that [whether it was the best win of his tenure]. It was a very good day. But it’s just round four of the tournament. It’s not a standalone game. There have been other wins in the past, in Paris, in Cardiff, at Twickenham, that meant a lot.’
Scotland were actually set to go top of the table, only for France to seize the advantage with a late burst of four tries in the final 15 minutes. But, nonetheless, Scotland still go into the final weekend with a chance to win the championship for the first time in the Six Nations era.
Asked about how aware the coaches and players were to try and stop France from taking the bonus point, Townsend said: ‘We got the message on.
‘‘Pete Horne [assistant coach] who runs messages said Sione already talked about it.
‘‘I think it was more difficult just with the changes we’d made and the injuries we’d picked up, but I was really proud of that. The effort to try and stop them getting that bonus point and it means we’re equal points with France. Someone’s going to have to do something next week if we both win. It’s who gets a bonus point out of that.’
Townsend has never beaten Ireland in 11 attempts. On the prospect of next week’s match in Dublin, he said: ‘They’ve won three in a row so they’ll be full of confidence.
‘‘They’ve got some outstanding individuals who have started for the Lions. They’ve played really well against us.’’ — Dailymail
