Townsend has been helping Andy Robinson at Edinburgh

Gregor Townsend says any one of the teams involved could end up winning this year's Six Nations.

And the recently-appointed Scotland backs coach stressed the importance of a winning start against Wales.

"I Think it's a wide open Six Nations, but of course Wales are the favourites," Townsend told BBC Sport.

"It would be great to start with a fantastic performance. Six Nations rugby is all about momentum, so if you win or it'll set up the whole season."

The former British Lion takes over as Scotland backs coach from Glasgow head coach Sean Lineen.

And Townsend is excited about the quality of player available to national team head coach Frank Hadden.

"Scotland have had a lot of ability in the last couple of years coming through," said Townsend.

"Our players are performing well and at a high level of club rugby, including some plying their trade overseas.

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"Those who have the honour of starting the first match against Wales at Murrayfield will have to play well because there are a lot of other players ready and able to take their places."

The 35-year-old added he has no interest at the moment in taking over Hadden's role as head coach.

"My focus is as the backs coach and that's my goal just now - to do the best I can during the Six Nations," said Townsend.

Hadden revealed he has tasked the former fly-half with the job of plotting the downfall of the reigning Six Nations champions.

"Gregor will be studying the Welsh defence and how best to target that," said Hadden.

"He'll also be looking at one or two moves we might use to take advantage of any gaps."

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