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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Gerard Meagher

Borthwick backs under-pressure Townsend before Calcutta Cup clash

Maro Itoje Steve Borthwick Scotland England Fin Smith Calcutta Cup George Ford Jamie George Alex Coles Ben Earl
The Scotland head coach, Gregor Townsend, during the warmup before the Six Nations match against Italy
Scotland have plummeted to 10th in the world rankings under Gregor Townsend. Photograph: Remo Casilli/Reuters

Steve Borthwick has called on Scotland supporters to lay off Gregor Townsend before the Calcutta Cup on Saturday, pointing out that his opposite number is his nation’s most successful coach of the professional era.

Townsend is under huge pressure after the defeat against Italy in Rome last weekend came after he bizarrely claimed a report he had agreed to take over at Newcastle Red Bulls after the 2027 World Cup was a ruse designed to distract his side before they welcome England to Murrayfield.

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