Why this is the best chance Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has had at Six Nations glory

Just last year, it was announced that Gregor Townsend would continue as Scotland head coach until at least the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Townsend, who took the head coaching role in 2017, turned Scottish rugby around immediately.

His first Six Nations in 2018 resulted in a superb third, Scotland’s joint-highest finish since Italy were added to the tournament.

The results have remained strong – or at least strong enough – for Townsend to continue with the job.

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Has the freshness worn off?

Townsend was a breath of fresh air for a somewhat stale Scotland when he joined, but that was long ago.

It seems as though every year will be ‘Scotland’s year’, their chance finally to win a Six Nations. But alas, it still has not come.

Superb results arrive, before a lack of consistency creeps back in, often leaving the Thistles stuck in mid-table mediocrity for another year.

It is baffling that Townsend can boast his impressive record against England, for example, having only lost two games, one of which came last year, but has never beaten Ireland in the 10 attempts he’s had.

These losses to the Irish weren’t only in the Six Nations either. Townsend’s men have lost to the Irish in both World Cups he has been a part of, which culminated in group stage exits in 2019 and 2023.

Townsend would certainly have had a chuckle to himself when he discovered his side would face Ireland in the pool stage for a third consecutive World Cup in 2027.

Do Scotland have the players to win it?

The Scots are by no means a bad side, in fact they are very good, but they aren’t great.

It’s not like they don’t have the minerals to become a great side, though.

They have arguably the best and certainly the most exciting fly-half in the world with Finn Russell and combined with world-class centre Sione Tuipulotu, powerhouse Duhan Van Der Merwe and pocket rocket winger Darcy Graham.

Those players, and many more, provide a back line only rivalled for skill by France.

Not to mention a forward pack, containing the likes of Jamie Richie and the Fagerson brothers, which is probably the strongest Townsend has seen.

There is star talent flowing through the veins of this Scotland team, and perhaps with other teams going through a transitional phase, the flowers of Scotland could bloom in the upcoming Six Nations.

Have Scotland finally peaked at the right time?

Scotland have their best shot in years. Ireland are beginning to slip away from their very best, France are transitioning with an inexperienced squad and England are still a question mark regarding just how good they are.

But Scotland? It really seems as though they are at a real peak in terms of player quality.

All they need is for Townsend to burst through the small gap the other five nations are beginning to leave.

There has been very little talk about the Scots, which could swing in their favour if they are to be underestimated.

If Townsend gets this right, we could see one of the biggest shocks the Six Nations have ever seen.

Can Townsend finish the job?

There are no more disputes between him and Russell, which plagued the team for years, no more claims of mediocrity surrounding the forward pack and a significantly smaller injury pool than the likes of England and France.

With Wales falling to the wayside in recent years, and Italy not yet at their potential peak, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium could be painted blue come the final game of the tournament.

Everything points to Scotland having a good campaign; Townsend just needs to marry his already excellent attack with an improved defence and he will be there.

With this set to be his ninth Six Nations, it feels like if he can’t do it now, then when can he?

Luckily for him, there appears to be a lack of viable replacements, which keeps him fairly safe now that the likes of Warren Gatland have been tipped for the All Blacks gig.

Gregor put Scotland back on the map; now he must finish what he started and cement them as the powerhouse they can be.

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