Scotland squad fully behind Townsend – Tuipulotu

Sione Tuipulotu, the captain, claims that the Scotland squad is still completely behind Gregor Townsend as pressure mounts on him as the Autumn Nations Series’ season drags on.

Scotland were denied a historic first victory over the All Blacks after being swept out by New Zealand by an 85-0 drubbing of the USA, and then went down 31-0 to Argentina, who were then 21-0 up, to lose 33-24.

Townsend has brushed aside concerns about whether a change is necessary after eight years in the position before Sunday’s final game of the series against Tonga at Murrayfield.

Tuipulotu also backed the head coach when he addressed the media on Saturday.

Tuipulotu said, “I don’t believe I’ve ever addressed you guys honestly.” I’ve always responded to your questions honestly, even when you guys do. I fully support my head coach, and so do the other players, to be honest.

I take great responsibility for the events that occurred over the weekend [against Argentina]… The team’s captain is me.

“Gregor is not playing rugby down there.” He gave us the opportunity to increase by 21 points, and I accept responsibility as the captain for our failure to do so.

We chose not to execute New Zealand. I believe it’s more a player thing for me because I can influence the situation while playing on the field and with all the other players.

Tuipulotu says playing an opposition that means so much to him, his father is Tongan, has helped him refocus and get over the disappointment of leaving the Pumas. He made his Scotland debut four years ago against Tonga.

The Glasgow Warriors center called it “a massive game for me.” I feel as though I get to represent who I am in a single game.

“I believe that’s one of the things that kind of centered me this week. I won’t lie to you and claim that I wasn’t severely injured. The playing group is the only one who suffers the most.

“But to sit in front of you guys here as the captain, having looked back at my career’s last four years has shifted me a little and letting me know how far I’ve come.

The most crucial aspect of being a captain is that there will be some really enjoyable times, in my opinion. After winning Australia a year ago, I sat in front of you.

You are probably the first person to receive the pat on the back as the captain, and I don’t have any trouble being the first one to bear the brunt of the blame, either.

Being a leader is what I believe the last week has shown me, in my opinion. When things don’t go right, you’re in the first line because you ultimately manage the team, which I didn’t do well against Argentina. I’m not at all hiding from that.