Robinson’s World Cup debrief is out of Toon

After a World Cup campaign that can best be described as undistinguished, Scotland coach Andy Robinson spent almost all of Thursday explaining to the Scottish media just why it had been such a let-down.

He also set out his plans for future improvement and, however unlikely it seems in view of the end result, insisted he would do the same all over again with the exception of playing an extra warm-up match against one of the pro teams. Certainly several of his big game players looked ill-prepared for the Romania match that set the tone for the whole tournament.

Robinson also defended his choice of captain, despite dropping not one but two of his on-field leaders from the matchday 22. Looking ahead, though, the coach conceded that he wanted to appoint someone who was sure of his place and would last until 2015.

In which case, he has maybe four candidates. Ross Ford, John Barclay, Richie Gray and Kelly Brown are all good bets to be around in four years’ time and, at the age of 29, Brown has the authority and experience to make the best fist of the job. He will have just turned 33 when RWC 2015 starts and, barring any serious injuries, should be in his prime.

But the most eye-catching remark from Robinson concerned a new coach with Test experience who will join his staff sometime after the Six Nations. This is weirder than a David Lynch film.

The new man certainly won’t be a forward guru. Robinson admitted that much because when it comes to the dark arts, the Englishman knows what’s where and how hard to squeeze it. The new man won’t be a defensive, kicking or scrum coach because all those bases are alreay covered.

No, the new man will probably be a big-picture expert and a blue sky thinker who may just nudge Scotland ahead of the coaching curve and, especially, over the opposition try line.

Brian Ashton’s name has been mentioned and he fits the bill better than most, right down to living and coaching in Fylde, Lancashire, nowt but a three-hour skip down the M6.

When asked why he felt this appointment necessary Robinson replied: “It’s about us not standing still.” As if his coaching team were bogged down in quick sand.

It’s no secret that Scotland’s problem has been scoring tries and the new man is doubtless being brought on board to find the magical map that points the way to the whitewash. But one nagging question remains. If Robinson wanted an older, experienced coach with Test credentials why then did he not appoint one when he started?

Instead he turned to Gregor Townsend, despite the former stand-off having limited coaching experience, no CV, no statistics and no hinterland beyond his playing career to justify a spot on Robinson’s team.

There are two possible reasons for appointing a new, experienced coach. The first is that Robinson may feel he needs an old head to take over Scotland should he require a 12-month sabbatical on Lions duty from July 2012 onwards. If the new man is a strategy specialist, he will be stepping on Robinson’s own toes as head coach.

Secondly, the move may be designed to aid and abet Townsend, under the guise of hiring a wise man for everyone to consult. As an attack expert, Townsend is struggling to make much of an impact at Test level, with the team failing to score a single touchdown in 13 of the 24 Tests on his watch.

The head coach always backs his men to the hilt and he did so again with Townsend last week, saying: “He’s got the potential to be an outstanding coach.” But actions speak louder than words and the new man is sure to undermine the incumbent, especially if he’s successful. So, again, why didn’t Robinson appoint an experienced coach in the first place?

“I believe Gregor’s a very good coach,” is his response.

Despite that assertion, Robinson immediately added that Townsend needs more time to master his trade and outlined plans to farm the attack coach out to one or both of the pro teams during the season. That move again begs the question why someone with so little hands-on experience is in his current role? Instead of being a competitive environment, the Scotland coaching set-up looks like a cosy club.

Townsend should never have been put in this invidious position and should extricate himself just as quickly as he can. He should find a French or English club that needs a smart young coach and make his reputation there just like Bryan Redpath and Alan Tait did. If he’s half as good a coach as Robinson claims, he’ll be back in four or eight years’ time to pitch for the Scotland job with the neccessary experience and a CV worth reading.