Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend says he was delighted to see tempers boil over at training on Tuesday as his squad prepared for Saturday’s final World Cup warm-up match against Georgia at Murrayfield.
With Hollywood star Gerard Butler – who recently recorded a motivational speech for the team – watching on from the sidelines, a 15 on 15 training match got lively, which Townsend took as evidence that his players are now close to being in the right place mentally for the challenges which lie ahead over the next two months.
“We started the session live. We don’t do that every week, but we did it this week. It then finished live as well, which we didn’t ask them to do,” he explained.
“A few players on the defensive side were maybe pushing the edge – and that maybe flicked a switch with the attack guys.
“I’m glad it happened. I loved the response from the guys, but it wasn’t something we had asked to happen.
“It became more like a game, there were live elements and the players came through it really well. We’ve been delighted by how they’ve applied themselves and the quality they’re producing at training.
Townsend added: “Gerard loved watching us train, and we loved having him there. He came about 20 minutes after the session had started so I’m not sure if the players clocked him, but it was one of our most intense sessions we’ve had, so whether they were showing off, I don’t know.
“He was there for about two hours afterwards chatting to Finn Russell and I, so it is just great that he’s given up his time in genuine support of the team, and it gives us a nice boost.”
