Match Preview - England v Scotland

 

Lots of teams hate the English.  I say lots, I mean everyone.  But the Scots really hate them.  Their national anthem is approximately 70 verses long and written solely about beating up the English in battle, for crying out loud.  That's dedication to hating the English. Dubbed the oldest rivalry in sport, this is a match that stirs the passion of the supporters like no other.  It's been 30 long years since the Scottish won at Twickenham, and the English are determined to add another 1 to that figure - but this fixture is never easy to call and often develops matches that are nerve-shreddingly tense and go down to the wire.

Unfortunately, more often than not, they are also wretchedly awful to watch with little or no ambition, with the only sparks coming from the over elaborate pyrotechnics that both sides are fond of displaying at kick off.  The last 4 matches have been some of the most depressing to watch in memory, despite being tense, for the pure lack of creativity - there's been just 4 tries in the last 4 games.  This is because when you get a game with ferocity and physicality of this magnitude, you don't allow the opposition to get a hold on the game.  Will we see something better this time? I'm not sure.  But you know it will be tight.

How watching an England v Scotland game sometimes feels

 

Last year's match was a classic example of this, with the only try coming from "Chargedown Charlie" Hodgson.  But this year, it is the Scots who are rebuilding, with an interim coach and no expectations.  And we know how they like being underdogs...

 
 

England Team News

Joe Marler comes in at loosehead prop for the ever-injured Alex Corbisiero, whilst Billy Twelvetrees makes his debut in an international shirt at 12, with Brad Barritt moving to 13 whilst Tuilagi recovers from an injured ankle.

Starting line up: Goode; Ashton, Barritt, Twelvetrees, Brown; Farrell, B Youngs; Marler, T Youngs, Cole, Launchbury, Parling, Wood, Robshaw, Morgan.

Replacements: Strettle, Flood, Care, Vunipola, Hartley, Wilson, Lawes, Haskell .

Key Player

Billy Twelvetrees has long since been touted as an international and he has got his opportunity after making the most of his move to Gloucester.  The former Tigers man has to grab this chance with both hands so that going forward England fans can look forward to a mouthwatering centre partnership of Twelvetrees and Tuilagi.
 

Scotland Team News

Maitland is set to win his first cap as one of six changes to the side upset by Tonga. Number 8 Johnnie Beattie earns a recall for the first time since 2011 while hooker Dougie Hall returns to the starting line-up after a six year break. Ruaridh Jackson is named at fly-half with Greig Laidlaw switching to the number 9 shirt for the first time and Sean Lamont moves from wing to centre. In the pack, Ryan Grant returns from injury at loose-head prop and Jim Hamilton is recalled to partner Richie Gray in the second row.

Starting line up: Hogg; Maitland, Lamont, Scott, Visser; Jackson, Laidlaw, Grant, Hall, Murray, Gray, Hamilton, Strokosch, Brown, Beattie.

Replacements: Evans, Weir, Pyrgos,  Low, Ford, Cross, Kellock, Denton.

Key Player

Winger Sean Maitland will be looking to impress after his rapid elevation to the national side.  The New Zealand born man from Canterbury has pace to burn, as he showed for the Crusaders, and he will be hoping the weather holds off for him to showcase his silky running skills.

Key Battle

Joe Launchbury will face probably the sternest test of his fledgling international career when he takes on Scotland.  The young Wasps tyro will give away 4 inches and nearly 2 stone to giant lock Richie Gray, but will have to ensure he matches him physically.  Gray will be looking to dominate in the loose and the lineout - it's set to be a titanic battle with both players going for Lions spots.

Head to Head

·        England made the fewest meters in the Championship last year and kicked from hand the most

·        The average points difference from the last 4 matches has been just 4 points in favour of England

·        Scotland have only ever won one of their opening Six Nations games (2006 v France)

Prediction

I think both sides will be looking to use the ball more than usual which will hopefully lead to a more entertaining game.  However, I think it will still be close with few tries, with English confidence helping them bring home a 6 point win.