Scotland's head coach, Gregor Townsend, has indicated he will not be unduly concerned by a high-scoring encounter against Fiji this Saturday, provided his team emerges victorious. The Scots have demonstrated a potent attacking game recently, registering 21 tries across their last four fixtures against formidable opponents including France, Ireland, Argentina, and South Africa. However, this attacking prowess has come with a defensive cost, as the team has conceded 163 points during the same period, leading to two defeats.
Townsend acknowledged the evolving nature of modern rugby, stating, "The game is in a period right now where attacks are proving too much for defences at times and that's a positive part of the game." He cited France's recent Six Nations championship win despite conceding 96 points in their final two matches as an example of this trend. While admitting a desire to reduce points conceded and increase points scored, Townsend highlighted that some tries against Scotland, particularly in the France and Argentina games, came late on when players were still encouraged to play expansively.
Looking back at last weekend's 42-28 defeat to South Africa in Pretoria, Townsend drew positives from his team's resilience. He noted, "Probably the most important element was how resilient we were when we went behind on two occasions." However, he also pointed to moments of lost focus in both attack and defence that proved costly against a team he regards as the world's best. With 14 changes made to the squad for the Murrayfield clash, Townsend is clearly looking for a refreshed performance.
Fiji, known for their unpredictable and dangerous attacking style, will present a significant challenge. Their recent Nations Championship results include a 39-24 loss to Wales and a heavy 73-8 defeat against England. Despite these scorelines, Townsend remains wary, describing Fiji as "probably the most dangerous team in the world if you switch off." He emphasised the need for constant vigilance, even when the ball appears far from immediate play, due to Fiji's ability to move the ball quickly and run from deep.
The upcoming match at Murrayfield is expected to be another exciting fixture, with both teams known for their attacking flair. Scotland will be aiming to consolidate their position in the Nations Championship while addressing their defensive vulnerabilities against an opponent capable of exploiting any lapse in concentration. The focus for Townsend's side will be on converting their offensive opportunities into a winning scoreline, regardless of the overall points tally.