Gray helps Scotland end on a high

By Mark Stevens
18/3/23

Scotland concluded their Six Nations campaign with a dramatic bonus-point win over Italy at Murrayfield to all but guarantee a third-place finish in the Championship.

A stunning Duhan van der Merwe finish and Blair Kinghorn score - with Italy down to 14 - opened a half-time lead. Kinghorn then plunged over after the break. but Tommaso Allan's try and a Paolo Garbisi penalty brought Italy within five and sparked a frantic finale.

However, Scotland - who included Exeter Chiefs lock Jonny Gray in their starting line-up - survived a late onslaught and streaked away from their own line with the clock in the red, Kinghorn bursting over after a coruscating break to complete his hat trick.

After painful near-misses in the championship, this was another sickener for the Italians, a team that looked in danger of being beaten comfortably before coming storming back and scaring the life out of the Scots.

Post-game Gregor Townsend admitted he wanted to stay on as Scotland head coach beyond the World Cup.

"I would like to stay on at this stage but this is probably not the time to be answering these questions," he said. "I've indicated that I need some time to reflect and have some time off."

The 49-year-old took charge of the national team in 2017 after a successful stint with Glasgow Warriors, and has overseen a broad improvement in Scotland's fortunes.

With his contract up after the autumn World Cup, he has been linked with coaching roles in France and England, but the man himself wants to put things to bed one way or another in the near future.

"I expect to get some clarity about my own position soon," Townsend said. "I've had some conversations over the last few weeks and there will be time in the next few weeks to talk about it some more.

"I don't want to commit to anything at the moment. Conversations have started and will start up again after some time off. We'll see how they develop.

"Honestly, I have tried to put this to the side. Your brain only has so much capacity. Whatever happens over the next week or so, I'll think about it nearer the time. I am delighted with this bunch of players.

"Bringing the older guys back, they are playing at their best level and that is exciting. Tests are only going to get bigger. We didn't beat the top two lessons have to be learned."