Gregor Townsend has not ruled out adopting a controversial tactic for France vs Scotland (Image: Getty)
boss Gregor Townsend has not ruled out using the controversial 7-1 substitute tactic in a bold plan to ruin France’s party on Super Saturday. France can win this year’s tournament with a win in Paris this coming weekend.
Townsend is reported to have raised concerns to World Rugby about the trend of teams naming seven attacking subs on their bench. France and South Africa have adopted the tactic, which allows them to refresh their forward line against tiring defences late in games. The Scotland chief insists his comments during the governing body’s Shape of the Game forum were misrepresented and he has not ruled out naming seven attackers on his bench in a bid to overcome Six Nations leaders France.
“Who knows? All options are on the table. We have players that can play in different positions,” Townsend said when asked if he would consider adopting 7-1. “France have that, but so do we.
“Guys like Blair Kinghorn and Tom Jordan have played 10 at international rugby and obviously Tom’s played 15 and 12. So who knows? We’ll see.”
Scotland can stun France by beating the Six Nations’ dominant force in Paris this weekend. However, that would likely mean auld enemy winning the tournament.
Second-placed England are a point behind France after defeating Italy 47-24 yesterday. Steve Borthwick’s side were disappointed not to win a bonus point.
Meanwhile, various publications reported last week that Townsend had raised concerns over the use of 7-1 in rugby. However, he claims the comments he made to World Rugby were taken out of context.
Gregor Townsend says comments he made to World Rugby were misrepresented in the media (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“They got their facts wrong,” he said of the reporting. “There was a private discussion where I was the spokesman for my table and that was one of the things that was brought up.
“Anyway, if you want my view, I don’t think the bench was set up to suddenly have a new forward pack coming on. But that’s for World Rugby to decide what you do with the bench, and to make any changes.
“Just now you can put eight forwards on the bench if you want. We’ve faced it already with South Africa. We thought we rose to that challenge really well when they brought their seven forwards on and our forwards matched them. If it happens again this week, we’ve got to do even better.”
Scotland face France in Paris on Saturday while England head to Cardiff for a crunch clash with Wales. Ireland, who are third after losing against France, finish their campaign against Italy.