Gregor Townsend stays composed as Scotland upset France, keeping title hopes alive

Gregor Townsend stayed composed after Scotland’s thrilling seven‑try win over France, a result that keeps them in contention for the championship with one round remaining – a position the side has never previously occupied in the Six Nations. The victory, he suggested, was not a watershed moment.

“There have been other matches that have meant more to the group,” he said. “Whether it was a response to a previous loss, breaking a record, playing away in Paris or Wales, or beating England after a long gap – those games carry more weight. This win is important, but it’s only round four, and it gives us a chance in round five.”

Even if his tone is measured, the outcome validates Townsend and his squad, who have endured extreme highs and lows throughout his lengthy spell as coach while staying true to an expansive, attacking style. “A team shouldn’t be judged solely on results. It should be judged on how it plays. Our forwards stood firm in Paris last year under far tougher conditions and were beaten. Today they stood firm again and were rewarded.”

Kyle Steyn, named player of the match after scoring two tries, expects to be fit for Scotland’s final game in Dublin, where the winner will claim the top spot, with France meeting England later that evening. However, depth in the second row could be tested, as Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings are both doubtful, Brown in particular.

Sione Tuipulotu, who finished the match in the centre alongside flanker Rory Darge after Steyn’s substitution, remains equally measured as he prepares to lead the side into the last hurdle. Tuipulotu said: “It’s a proud day for us, but it’s one we have been building towards. If you had been at our training ground you would see we didn’t expect it, but we felt capable. Today was about being ourselves, not about winning or losing. It’s the same this week. We keep our feet on the ground. We know this is a good win, we’ll take the confidence from it and that’s it. We just get back to the training field.”

Scotland are aware of how they have struggled to follow up strong performances in the past, making this a rare run of victories. One more win is now needed. “We have momentum, certainly,” said the captain. “The belief has been there since before the tournament. It may be hard to see, but I’ve been inside the training room, in the meetings, listening to Gregor and the other coaches. We have a close‑knit dressing‑room that believes, not just after this game but before it as well. We have to carry that into the final week. One more job to do.”