Scots legend calls for Williams axe

Scotland legend Doddie Weir has called for Matt Williams to be removed from the national coach's job.

Williams has come under intense pressure following their 43-22 defeat to England at Twickenham which rounded off another poor RBS Six Nations campaign.

The Scots managed just one victory, against basement side Italy, resulting in speculation over Williams' future.

The Scottish Rugby Union have already released a statement saying they will offer no comment on "unfounded speculation" regarding the Australian.

But Weir believes Williams' record of 14 defeats in his 17 Tests in charge speaks for itself.

Weir said: "It's time for a change. Played 17, lost 14 is not a good track record. There is the basis of a good team there but they need someone else in charge."

Williams claimed earlier today that he expects to see out his contract, which runs through to the World Cup in September 2007.

But former Newcastle and Borders lock Weir insists the manner in which Scotland lost to England - and several other Test defeats - is cause for concern.

He added: "I'm disappointed in the same way that every Scotsman in the country who follows rugby is disappointed, even though we weren't expected to do much.

"At the end of the day, it is because of the way the game was played that the finger of blame has to be pointed somewhere and it's usually at the man in charge. In this case that man is Matt Williams.

"If the wheels aren't turning properly and things aren't going well then someone has to be held responsible and Matt Williams is at the top of the ladder so the buck has to stop with him."

Media reports today also suggest a rift in the dressing room, with senior squad members unhappy their suggestions and opinions are being brushed aside by Williams and his backroom staff, despite their on-field problems.

But Weir believes the axe will fall because the unrest is far more widespread than the confines of the dressing room.

He said: "When the chips are down you tend to hear stories that the players are unhappy and it has been well documented that there has been a bit of unrest.

"But I don't think that only applies to the dressing room - I think the supporters, the media and the public in general are unhappy."