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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend admits time could be running out for his players to finally challenge for a Six Nations title.
Townsend has named a 40-man squad for the championship, with the Scots set to begin their campaign against Italy in Rome on February 7.
He is under growing pressure to deliver results after a dismal Autumn Test Series, as well as only winning two matches in each of the past two Six Nations with successive fourth-placed finishes.
With star man Finn Russell now 33 and other key players in their 30s, Townsend has urged them to grasp the opportunity before it’s too late.
‘We know the opportunity is there for us,’ he said. ‘The opportunity might not be there in a year’s time or two years’ time.
‘We’ve got an experienced squad, I don’t think it’s an old squad. So who knows, players might have another two or three championships that are 30 or older.
Gregor Townsend had an awful Autumn Test series, which led to serious doubts over his future
Townsend has announced a 40-man squad for the forthcoming Six Nations championship
‘But I think they’ll be excited. Excited that we’re coming into our biggest annual tournament. Players coming in on the back of really good form and good performances in Europe.
‘And players coming back from injury that we missed in November. Zander (Fagerson) missed two or three of those games, Huw Jones coming back.
‘These are players that have played for the Lions, so it definitely is a boost having more players available.’
Despite the fact that he was handed a new contract back in September, there were growing calls for Townsend to be sacked after a poor showing in the autumn.
In particular, the capitulation against Argentina, where Scotland blew a 21-point lead, saw Scotland booed off by the Murrayfield crowd.
Asked if he felt any more pressure heading into the Six Nations, Townsend replied: ‘No, I don’t really think in those terms.
‘I think I’m so privileged to be going into another Six Nations. I can’t wait to be working with the players again. When I see the team, I see the players in really good form, it excites me what’s coming up ahead.
‘I think we want to be better than we were in November. We want to be better going into each game and we want to make sure we take the learnings we had from November into our performances.
‘Progress seems to be a word that people always bring up. What would be a sign of progress? Playing close to our potential, being consistent, delivering that performance in five games.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has told his players to grasp the opportunity during the Six Nations
‘It’s tough to do that, but that would be progress if we can play well for five games.’
Scotland lost against Italy on their last visit to Rome two years ago. Asked about the challenge of going there in the first game, Townsend added: ‘Yeah, very difficult. It’s a unique atmosphere, very loud.
‘We obviously lost there last time, so that’s just the reality. It’s going to be a very tough game.
'Italy have been improving every year now. They’ve got a squad, the back line is outstanding.
‘They’ve got young players that have had 40 or 50 caps together. I know it’s going to be a sell-out, so it’s going to be a great atmosphere. That first game is always a tough one.
‘It’s about getting your best game out. For us, it’s focusing on ourselves and the build-up to that game. An away game is just that little bit more difficult.’
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