'Only way' - Gregor Townsend outlines plan for Scotland Six Nations title bid

Townsend and his squad flew out to Spain on Sunday to prepare for the match in Cardiff buoyed by a colossal performance in the Calcutta Cup which blew the championship wide open.

The 31-20 triumph over England at Murrayfield saw Scotland lead the table on Saturday night before slipping down to second place after France beat Wales in the Sunday game.

The French remain clear favourites but four of the other teams have won one and lost one, making the race for the title far more competitive than many predicted.

For Scotland, it’s an astonishing turnaround. After a wretched defeat by Italy in Rome in round one, they now find themselves in the hunt.

“Someone mentioned we're top of the table but there's a championship to go for now,” said Townsend on Saturday evening. “We weren't feeling that way last Saturday night or last Sunday morning.

“The only way we can go after this championship is if we win next week and then we have a week off. So that's a goal for us now.”

Townsend hopes the training camp in Spain will allow his players to escape the rain and sleet of Scotland and allow them to focus fully on the Wales match.

“It gives us guaranteed training, good weather, a bit of vitamin D, a real recovery focus,” said the coach. “And it also gets us in our own bubble for a week. Because, even though we stay in a hotel [while based in Edinburgh], players go back and see their families. So, this will be really good going into the week.

“Obviously there will be a more positive vibe around the group having won but just with that goal of making sure that we go to Wales and deliver a very good performance. We won't train as much next week. When you get to our third Test match, there will be a big focus on recovery, learning and making sure we know the game that we have to deliver to win at the weekend.”

Townsend fears he will be without Jack Dempsey for the remainder of the championship after the No 8 injured his bicep against England. There is also a serious concern over try-scorer Jamie Ritchie who hyperextended his knee and had to go off at half-time. In addition, Jamie Dobie picked up a shoulder injury and is unlikely to be fit for Wales, perhaps longer. There is a break after the Welsh match before the Scots host France on March 7 and then end their campaign against Ireland in Dublin on March 14.

“I'm gutted for the players that are injured,” said Townsend. “Jack Dempsey has been great all season and this could be his last game of the championship.

“Jamie Ritchie, who got back in the team, scored a try. He's been great. He's shown his leadership ability when he's not played the previous week. We know what playing for Scotland means to him so let's hope he's not out for too long but I'm gutted for him. And I'm gutted for Jamie Dobie who's obviously been in great form and let's hope again they're not serious injuries.”

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