The Scotland squad stays completely behind Gregor Townsend as strain builds on the top coach after a disappointing Autumn Nations Sequence, in accordance with captain Sione Tuipulotu.

After an 85-0 drubbing of the USA, Scotland have been edged out by New Zealand and denied an historic first win over the All Blacks, after which collapsed from 21-0 up in opposition to Argentina to lose 33-24.

Earlier than the ultimate match of the collection in opposition to Tonga at Murrayfield on Sunday, Townsend has batted away questions on whether or not, after eight years within the job, it’s time for a change.

And Tuipulotu, chatting with the media on Saturday, threw his help behind the top coach.

“I do not assume I’ve ever stood in entrance of you guys and never spoken actually,” Tuipulotu stated. “Once you guys ask me questions, I’ve all the time given you my sincere reply. My sincere reply is, I am absolutely behind my head coach, and so are all of the gamers.

“I take quite a lot of accountability for what occurred on the weekend [against Argentina]. I am the captain of the staff.

“Gregor just isn’t down there taking part in rugby. He is put us ready to rise up 21 factors and I take accountability because the captain given that perhaps we let that lead slide.

“We did not execute in opposition to New Zealand. I believe it is extra of a gamers factor for me, as a result of I am down on the sphere, I am on the market with the ability to affect the state of affairs together with all the opposite gamers.

“So I stand in entrance of you all right here and converse actually that I am absolutely behind Gregor. I nonetheless imagine he is the person for the job in what we are able to obtain main into the World Cup.”