22 Facts About Gregor Townsend

1. Gregor Townsend made oneappearance, playing for the French Barbarians during his stint with Montpellier, against Australia in November 2004.

2. Gregor Townsend believes that Saturday's hard-fought loss to South Africa could help his team in both the forthcoming Six Nations and next year's World Cup.

3. Gregor Townsend insists Scotland will stick to their free-flowing instincts despite being agonisingly edged out by South Africa in a thrilling Test match at BT Murrayfield on Saturday.

4. Gregor Townsend played down the impact of losing Stuart Hogg in the 63rd minute, which he said was "more precautionary" after the full-back received treatment to his left ankle.

5. Gregor Townsend added: "I'm always excited by any team that gets selected.

6. Gregor Townsend is throwing all his attacking cards on the table after naming a back-line that includes Huw Jones, Sean Maitland and Stuart Hogg.

7. Gregor Townsend tried the partnership out briefly towards the end of this month's eight-try demolition job on Fiji and saw it pay off when the pair combined to set up Hastings for his first ever Scotland touchdown.

8. Gregor Townsend has challenged Finn Russell and Adam Hastings to prove they can work together against Argentina if they want to spearhead Scotland's Six Nations assault.

9. Gregor Townsend tried the partnership out briefly towards the end of this month's eight-try demolition job on Fiji and hopes it will pay off again after the pair combined to set up Hastings for his first ever Scotland touchdown.

10. Gregor Townsend said he was confident that if England coach Jones was mischievously minded to test Graham's loyalty again he would be rebuffed.

11. Gregor Townsend has opted not to include the Stirling-born openside in his matchday squad for Saturday's final Test match of the year against Argentina at BT Murrayfield.

12. Gregor Townsend has opted not to include the Stirling-born openside in his matchday.

13. Gregor Townsend has selected two stand-offs in his starting XV, with first-choice No 10 Finn Russell.

14. On 8 May, Gregor Townsend named his first squad for Scotland's 2017 June tests.

15. Gregor Townsend took over the head coach role for the Scotland national rugby team when the Warriors season finished in May 2017.

16. In March 2012, Gregor Townsend stood down from his role with the national team and replaced Sean Lineen at Glasgow Warriors as their head coach.

17. Gregor Townsend made one appearance, playing for the French Barbarians during his stint with Montpellier, against Australia in November 2004.

18. Gregor Townsend made his international debut at the age of 19, coming off the bench against England on 6 March 1993 during the 1993 Five Nations Championship.

19. In 1993, Gregor Townsend spent a season in Australia, playing for Warringah in the Shute Shield.

20. Gregor Townsend started playing for his local club Gala RFC from a young age, coming through the ranks from the mini section to senior side.

21. Gregor Townsend sticks with tried and tested as Scotland look to get revenge on Wales.

22. Gregor Townsend has welcomed several senior men back into his Scotland side for Saturday's Test against Wales.