Six Nations: Scotland coach Gregor Townsend explains why this year will be different

The return of supporters will change the dynamic at this season’s Guinness Six Nations and Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend expects home advantage to return with a vengeance.

Scotland bust two long-standing hoodoos in last year’s Championship, recording their first victory at Twickenham in 38 years and their first in Paris since 1999.

The away wins, both thrilling in their own ways, were nevertheless achieved in empty stadiums.

Townsend is honest enough to recognise the part this played in levelling the playing field just as he recognises the impact an empty Murrayfield had on the narrow home losses to Wales, by a single point, and Ireland, by three.

With Scotland due to travel to Wales, Italy and Ireland this season and play host to England and France, the prospect of playing in front of full houses is one which excites Townsend even if it is likely to make his job harder given the balance of fixtures.

“It does make a difference,” said the Scotland coach, speaking at the official Six Nations launch. “We have three away games this year so that is more challenging with the crowds back but we all want them back as Six Nations games are amazing and a full crowd at BT Murrayfield is a big boost for us.

“It is not as big a challenge as taking on opposition with a great scrum but it is a factor. Wales have always done well in the Six Nations in recent years and they have probably the noisiest support. We have done very well over the last two or three seasons off the back of sell-out crowds at Murrayfield as well as the performances of the players so we know what we have to take on this year.

“Last year it was 15 players against 15 players with no advantages for either side. This year teams at home will fancy their chances