HUNGER GAMES

Back-to-back losses have only fuelled Townsend's desire to prove the doubters wrong

- BY ANTHONY BROWN

GREGOR TOWNSEND insisted he gave no consideration to stepping down as Scotland head coach as pressure intensified in the wake of last Sunday's astonishing collapse against Argentina.

The long-serving 52-year-old was handed a contract extension in September until the 2027 World Cup, but back-toback losses against New Zealand and the Pumas have brought fresh scrutiny on his position. Asked if he still had the appetite to lead the Scots forward after the body-blow of squandering a 21-0 lead to lose 33-24 against Argentina, Townsend replied: "Yes, even more so.

"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.