Arguments for Gregor Townsend remaining as Scotland head coach are growing increasingly small after familiar failings lead to defeat in rainy Rome, writes Tom English.

Frazer: Not too much to argue with there, Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie had to start. Tom Jordan more of a surprise, I'd maybe have gone for Blair Kinghorn over him with Jordan on the bench instead of Adam Hastings.

Gregor Townsend dismisses talk of stepping down after Scotland’s defeat to Italy - This setback in the Eternal City sparked renewed calls for the long-serving 52-year-old to quit or be sacked.

Head coach Gregor Townsend insists he is still the man to lead Scotland despite a hugely dispiriting defeat by Italy in their Six Nations opener.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend stopped short of denying that he will take over at Newcastle Red Bulls, calling the link “speculation”.

Gregor Townsend dismisses talk of stepping down after Scotland’s defeat to Italy - This setback in the Eternal City sparked renewed calls for the long-serving 52-year-old to quit or be sacked.

SCOTLAND’S Six Nations hopes were washed away in a Rome monsoon as they were stunned by Italy once again. Gregor Townsend’s side went into this one having won their tournament opener every year

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has shaken up his starting line-up to take on Italy in the Six Nations in Rome on Saturday, leaving out regular fullback Blair Kinghorn and their two top try scorers when he named the team on Thursday.

Scots boss still feels he can take team forward after chastening defeat by Italy

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend insists he and his side have learned from their autumn failings before they start their Six Nations campaign in Rome on Saturday.