Townsend not taking notice of Jones' 'underdogs' comments

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has taken Eddie Jones comments conveying England as underdogs with a pinch of salt. 

With the announcement of his team, Jones expressed the notion that the Scots are favourites to win on Saturday. The 62 year-old Australian has, however, never been one to shy away from pre-match mind games with his comments, but it does not seem as though Townsend is interested in taking the bait. 

 “Every coach does this little song and dance going into a game trying to convince the media they’re underdogs and saying to players, ‘our backs are against the wall, going to this hostile place and we’re underdogs’,” Townsend told reporters. 

“I don’t know who picks the favourites – the bookies obviously do, and I know we’re not the favourites with the bookies. It’s not really something we talk or worry about.” 

The Scots will take the field with confidence, though, and enjoy the noteworthy, vociferous support of the Murrayfield crowd as they do battle with England, with last year’s result still in the back of the minds of both teams. 

 “I remember when I played, coached and spectated that maybe two teams were in the running for the Six Nations,” Townsend continued. 

“That’s changed. Most teams on their day can beat any other team – that’s been proven in the last couple of seasons. We would be one of those teams. 

“We had three wins and two close defeats last year, so we’ve been very competitive.” 

Townsend touched on the ability and depth of the English outfit. 

“They’ve got experience throughout their team with guys like Elliot Daly when they are missing [Manu] Tuilagi and Farrell in that [centre] position. 

“He is going to add his experience and he has a very good kicking game…. There is a lot of depth in English rugby. Even with players missing it shows they can still put out a quality team.” 

Commenting on the prospect of playing England in front of a full house (unlike last year), Townsend said: 

“It is great for our people that they can come,” said Townsend. 

“They weren’t able to do that in last year’s Six Nations, so there is a buzz around Edinburgh and Scotland anticipating what a fixture this is.”