AL HAYAT - Defiant Townsend determined to stay on as Scotland boss

The long-serving Townsend was handed a contract extension in September until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but successive losses to New Zealand and the Pumas have led to renewed scrutiny of his position.

Scotland fought back from 17-0 down against the All Blacks to 17-17 only to lose 25-17 -- a defeat that left them still searching for a first win over New Zealand in 120 years of Tests between the countries.

Last Sunday's reverse against Argentina was arguably an even worse body-blow to Scotland.

The Dark Blues led 21-0 heading into the final quarter only to lose 33-24, with the Pumas scoring five tries in quick succession.

Home fans booed their side off the field come full-time at Murrayfield. It was one of the lowest points of Townsend's more than eight-year reign as Scotland coach.

Townsend, speaking Friday after naming his team to play Tonga this weekend, said he still had the resolve to carry on as Scotland boss.

"Yes, even more so," he told reporters. "Maybe you don't believe me, but this week it was really important I felt something different in our review about the way the players came together with the coaches.

"It's painful, Sunday night was painful. Going through that last 20 minutes on Monday was painful, but the failures and how you respond to them make you the team you can be. I've been really encouraged on how that's played through this week."

Scotland have dropped from fifth in the world rankings at the start of the 2023 World Cup to ninth after struggling to beat major nations over the past two years.

Townsend, however, rejected suggestions that his side are mentally fragile and prone to cracking under pressure.

Pressed on whether Scotland's inability to turn promising performances into wins was a worry, he replied: "Yes, of course it's a concern. We feel going into those games we genuinely had opportunities to win.

"This time last year against South Africa (32-15 defeat), England (16-15 defeat), we scored three tries to one and had one of our best-ever performances against England. We didn't win.

"The weekend, 21-0 up, we didn't win. Of course, that's really disappointing, but the level of our play and what it's doing to the opposition gives me confidence that if we, and it's not an if, but when we get parts of our game and our response to momentum changes better, then we're going to get those wins."

Townsend, asked if the criticism since Sunday was justified, added: "I don't know. I would expect there's been criticism, but if you get caught up in any of that, or read it, it's going to distract you from what is important."

K.Sharhan--al-Hayat