Gregor Townsend says Scotland must learn to handle away atmospheres

Image: Gregor Townsend says Scotland must find solutions to their poor away record

Gregor Townsend is calling on Scotland's supporters to help his side bounce back from their heavy Six Nations defeat to Wales, but insists they should refuse to feel intimidated in less familiar surroundings.

The Scots lost 34-7 in Cardiff on Saturday and, since the tournament began in 2000, have won just six away games from 46.

Townsend's men head to Dublin and Rome next month, but before that, they face meetings with France and England at Murrayfield.

"We don't have a great away record - we are not getting away from that," the Scotland head coach said.

Image: Scotland were beaten by Wales in their Six Nations opener

"I read the stats in the Six Nations, and we have to be better.

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"We have to realise that teams will have moments when they are doing well, the crowd is behind them and they maybe score a try. We have got to handle that and be better.

"We have to find solutions as we go to Dublin and Rome, two very tough places to win.

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"But our focus over the next two games is playing at home and making sure we put a performance in that makes our supporters proud. If that gets us wins, then that is brilliant, but we have got to make sure we perform much better first of all."

Image: Scotland managed just one try against Wales

The growing optimism generated by Scotland's autumn campaign came to an abrupt halt as rampant Wales ran in four tries and claimed a second-biggest victory since the countries' first meeting 135 years ago.

For 79 minutes, Scotland were also looking at a first scoreless game against Wales for 44 years, but substitute Peter Horne's try spared that embarrassment.

"I felt there was real determination from the players in the second half to go out and show who we were, but to be caught in our 22, playing phases that weren't really on, and then to come away three points further down was disappointing for everyone," Townsend added.

"You just want to show some response to that in the second half, whether it is through actions or three points or seven points, but the momentum kept on with Wales. From that, they got more and more confident.

"It is frustrating for us all."

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