I believe in what we’re doing, says defiant Townsend

I believe in what we’re doing – TownsendMedia caption, Townsend speaks after defeat in RomeByGeorge O’NeillBBC Sport ScotlandPublished10 minutes agoHead coach Gregor Townsend insists he is still the man to lead Scotland despite a hugely dispiriting 18-15 defeat by Italy in their Six Nations opener.Townsend was already under pressure after autumn losses against both Argentina and New Zealand, and the below-par performance in a sodden Stadio Olimpico will only increase the speculation surrounding his future.Scotland went 12 points behind after stumbling out of the blocks and they were unable to overhaul that deficit as their scrum and lineout both malfunctioned badly.Before the Italy match, the former fly-half – who is contracted as head coach until the end of the 2027 World Cup – dismissed a report that he has agreed to take over at Newcastle Red Bulls after the World Cup as “pure speculation”.He was asked again after the full-time whistle in Rome if he remains confident in his ability to lead the national team, starting next Saturday against England at Murrayfield.”Yeah, of course,” he mentioned. “I believe in the players, I believe in what we’re doing. It didn’t happen and we’ve got to make sure it happens next week.”Italy punish lacklustre Scotland in Rome rain