29 September 2023 , 08:43
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Gregor Townsend was hailed as "the most successful Scotland coach in the history of the professional era" earlier this year - but he faces a second successive World Cup exit without even making the knockouts.
The former player turned coach has been at the helm at Murrayfield since 2017 and is currently in the midst of his second World Cup campaign. His first ended disappointingly as the Scots lost a winner takes all clash with Japan, ending their hopes earlier than planned.
Now, four years on, and with a challenging pool, Scotland face the prospect of a pool stage exit once again. In the nine editions of the World Cup, only twice have the Scots failed to make the knockouts, but that could be extended to three - two of which will have been on Townsend's watch.
Those frustrations in World Cups come despite impressive Six Nations displays, winning at the likes of England, France and Wales. They've also held their own with the Southern Hemisphere powerhouses, but it is the performances every four years that act as the barometer.
Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson, who sanctioned a contract extension for Townsend earlier this year up until 2026, said: “Gregor Townsend has been the most successful Scotland coach in the history of the professional era and we believe he is the right man to lead the national team beyond this year’s Rugby World Cup.
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“What Gregor has built over the last six years of his tenure has taken Scotland to fifth in the world rankings and we are keen to keep that continuity and forward momentum. The squad has unparalleled depth which is the result of many years planned development."
Scotland were dealt an early exit in Japan four years agoNow though, after a loss in their opening game to South Africa, Scotland already have zero margin for error. They saw off Tonga, securing a bonus point victory last time out, and are now preparing for Romania this weekend - a nation who have conceded 158 points in two games.
Townsend's men, currently sat on five points, needed to secure two bonus point wins to get themselves up to 15 points. One of those victories would need to come over Ireland, the world's top ranked side, in what will be their final group game in Paris next Saturday.
Scotland, despite being ranked No 5 in the world, were not expected to progress from their pool given they had the Irish and the defending world champions for company. Nevertheless, for all Townsend has achieved north of the border, another premature flight home from a World Cup won't be welcome on his CV.