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Six Nations

Scotland scrum coach Pieter de Villiers: We can still win Six Nations

By Jon Newcombe

45 days ago

Scotland's assistant coach Pieter de Villiers warms up with his players the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Scotland and Romania at Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq near Lille, northern France, on September 30, 2023. (Photo by Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP) (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images)

Pieter de Villiers is adamant a victory over England on Saturday can “turn everything around” for Scotland after a dire start to their Guinness Six Nations campaign.

Gregor Townsend and his players have come under heavy fire since Saturday’s grim 18-15 defeat by Italy in Rome.

But scrum-coach De Villiers still believes they can get back into championship contention by winning this weekend’s Calcutta Cup showdown at Murrayfield.

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“It’s only the second game of the tournament, any team in the tournament can still win it,” he stressed at a press conference on Tuesday.

“Italy will go out and surprise other teams as well, they’re a really good outfit and I think it’s going to be tight all around this tournament.

“It’s important that we get that enthusiasm back to go and deliver a great game.

“England are a team who have had good results recently, they’ve been consistent.

“A result against England obviously will turn everything around and put us on the right track to win this tournament.”

De Villiers insisted the magnitude of this weekend’s match against their bitter rivals will ensure there is no lingering deflation in the Scottish camp.

“On Sunday everyone needs a pick-up because it’s obviously a big disappointment, but I think everyone is squarely back on the horse,” said the South African-born coach.

“With such a big game coming up, the passion that is around this game ignites everyone to the top level. The concentration levels are there and the excitement is there.

“There will always be outside noise going on, that’s the nature of this game.

“It’s high-stakes, it’s Six Nations, and if you don’t get results, fans out there will be disappointed and people will obviously look into things and maybe want change.

“But for us nothing changes in terms of what we do on a day-to-day basis.

“Yes, we would have liked a better result but this weekend is a perfect opportunity to go and do it in a high-stakes game where both teams will be very passionate and driven to deliver a result.”

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Comments

12 Comments

Eric Elwood 43 days ago

A match in Rome nowadays is no cakewalk. England struggled two years ago, Ireland struggled last year, SA (albeit) a man down got a real scare.

Lamaro said they have a “dream” this year. I think they plan to beat England in Rome.

RA 43 days ago

No Pieter,I don’t think so,but good luck.

Lou Cifer 45 days ago

Just lost to Italy and “can still win the 6Ns” is the thought that leaves his brain??😂

GoTahs 45 days ago

All talk and no trousers.

Eric Elwood 45 days ago

Glasgow and Scotland have complimented each other like Leinster and Ireland.

When Farrell took over from Schmidt in Ireland he was able to hold all the positive and compatible (to Farrells plan) elements there already. And then add to it. It doesn’t mean that one coach is better than the other. It means that once coach adding to the others work gets a better result and indeed for Scotland too.

If Scotland can beat Ireland in the RWC they have a golden opportunity to play probably Argentina to make a semi. Franco Smith probably has the nous to build on Townsend’s work to give Scotland the best chance of that.

The big teams are leveraging their huge numbers. The chances for the likes of Scotland, Ireland and Wales will start to wane. Scotland do need to go for it now.

Eric Elwood 45 days ago

One match at a time. The mood music from British (English) media seems to be that if England play well enough a straightforward victory will follow. There will be an opportunity for Scotland if that does not transpire in the early stages of that match.

Looking forward to all three matches.

RA 43 days ago

Yes,from the South,I always look forward to this time of the year.Over the years 6N games have always been such a pleasure to watch,just a pity that Wales are struggling to get where they use to be.In time they will probably find their way again.

JB 45 days ago

Scotland can rise for the Calcutta Cup, they always can. but winning a Six Nations takes control and consistency week after week. That’s the gap, and it’s been there for a long time.

unknown 45 days ago

Unlikely to beat France and they have a shocking record against Ireland so chances of winning the tournament are remote even if they do beat England. Not sure if the statement is a desperate attempt to instil belief or just being delusional

Icefarrow 45 days ago

Lol, keep telling yourself that. Mediocre coaching team will only bring about mediocre results.

Eric Elwood 45 days ago

Townsend is a good coach. Franco Smith, also a good coach, building on Townsend’s work might take them where they need to go.

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