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Townsend on Jordan move, ‘improving’ Scotland & nerveless Douglas

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Townsend on Jordan move, ‘improving’ Scotland & nerveless Douglas

Gregor Townsend has been speaking to the media after naming his much-changed side to face Portugal in the third Autumn Test at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Here are the key points from the head coach:

  • It’s a blow for Glasgow to lose Tom Jordan but a reflection of his excellent performances that big teams wanted him.

  • Townsend is not concerned by Scottish Rugby posting an £11.3m loss in its latest annual accounts, saying he can only control the rugby side of things. He adds it is exciting times for Scottish rugby with regular sellouts.

  • He feels the team is still improving despite some mixed Six Nations results and last week’s defeat to South Africa.

  • On the loss to Springboks, he adds: “It was a bigger defeat than we had in the Six Nations, but the performance was the best we’ve seen for maybe the last year or two.”

  • Townsend believes Portugal were one of the most exciting teams at the World Cup and will provide a good test on Saturday.

  • Stafford McDowall has proven himself as a player and leader, with Townsend adding that he is unfortunate to be behind such a good centre partnership as Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones for club and country.

  • ⁠Freddy Douglas, 19, is showing no signs of nerves before his potential Test debut despite having never played a senior club match.

  • Townsend adds: “He has the mindset we believe that is ready for Test rugby. He will go forward and attack in defence. And he’s got a super strength which is his ability to win turnovers and win that ball back for his team.”

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