The famous 'Red Bull gives you wings' slogan has taken on a new meaning for Scotland's head coach, Gregor Townsend. The energy drink giant, which has expanded aggressively into sports ownership, has controversially added the national coach to its portfolio, alongside its football clubs and Formula 1 team.
A Defeat That Changes Nothing
It is far too early to judge whether Townsend's involvement with Red Bull will prove a masterstroke or a millstone. The recent 25-17 loss to New Zealand offered no clear answers. A hypothetical victory could not have been credibly linked to his new side hustle, just as the defeat cannot be squarely blamed on it.
Instead, the match served as a frustratingly familiar tale for Scottish rugby fans. The team staged a commendable second-half fightback, but the game was ultimately defined by a disastrous start. Townsend himself admitted his side 'just switched off in the first half in defence', allowing the All Blacks to sprint into a 17-0 lead.
The Ruthlessness Deficit
The core issue remains a lack of composure and ruthlessness at critical moments. Scotland's habit of switching off, even briefly, against world-class opposition is a costly one. While they played well in patches and created opportunities, the game, as so often before, slipped through their fingers when it was there to be won.
This inconsistency is what Townsend must eradicate. As he enters the final phase of his Scotland career, culminating in the 2027 Rugby World Cup, he needs to start stacking up big, meaningful wins. The first test of this new resolve comes this Sunday against Argentina at Murrayfield.
An Opponent With Respect, Not Fear
Listening to Argentina's head coach, Felipe Contepomi, ahead of the match is telling. Fresh from his team's record 52-28 demolition of Wales, he spoke of Scotland with respect, but without any palpable fear.
He described Scotland as a 'very solid team' that is 'very mature' under Townsend. However, terms like 'tough' and 'solid' are hardly those of a coach bracing for a hiding. This perception is the direct result of Scotland's failure to consistently convert attractive, attacking play into definitive victories.
In a revealing insight, star fly-half Finn Russell suggested the players are taking more responsibility for standards this week, a lesson he brought back from the British and Irish Lions tour. Russell has been passed fit to start after knee and ankle issues, and he emphasised the need for clinical execution and composure.
He indicated a shift in dynamics, stating, 'There was more onus on the players taking control. And driving the standards... So coming back from that summer, we have been doing that as a group of players.' This places the onus squarely on the squad to correct their costly lapses.
For Townsend, the equation is simple. The Red Bull partnership may offer new ideas and resources, but what Scotland truly needs are victories. A win against a confident Argentina side is non-negotiable to silence the growing doubts and prove that this team can finally turn its potential into tangible success.
