A World Cup full of memorable moments was also marked by exclusion, exploitation and unprecedented political meddling, writes JAMES NALTON
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We expected a tough draw, says Scotland’s Gregor Townsend
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend before the Autumn Nations Cup match at BT Murrayfield Stadium
From Barry McGuigan and Carl Frampton to Tyrone McKenna and Lewis Crocker, the city’s fighters carry a complex history into the ring, writes JOHN WIGHT
SCOTLAND head coach Gregor Townsend admits that the excitement of the 2023 World Cup draw was swiftly tempered by being placed in the “toughest pool” alongside South Africa and Ireland.
The Scots were always at risk of being handed a tough assignment due to a seeding system based on world rankings from the start of the year leaving them in the lowest band of qualified countries.
Townsend’s men were eliminated at the end of the pool stage during a dismal display at last year’s tournament in Japan and now face an uphill battle to avoid a repeat in three years’ time.
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