Eddie Jones has questioned resurgent Scotland’s capability to cope with expectation after putting in the Calcutta Cup holders as “red-hot favourites” for Saturday’s Murrayfield collision.
England open the Six Nations towards a facet they’ve overwhelmed simply as soon as within the final 4 conferences and whereas bookmakers are backing them to win, it’s a fixture full off pitfalls.
An harm disaster has rippled by way of Jones’ squad, accounting for seasoned campaigners equivalent to Owen Farrell and Courtney Lawes, and ensuing within the choice of a workforce the place seven starters have not more than 10 caps.
The swirling wind and driving rain forecast for Saturday also needs to play into Scottish arms with Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg nicely versed within the nuances of kicking in troublesome circumstances at Murrayfield.
Jones insists the stage is about for Gregor Townsend’s workforce, but additionally wonders if they’ll ship.
“It’s the primary time I’ve had the expertise of going up there when Scotland have been red-hot favourites. They’re anticipated to win,” Jones mentioned.
“Each time their gamers take a look at the gang at Murrayfield they’ll really feel that expectation. They’re crimson sizzling favourites and so they’ve acquired to deal with that.
“We will’t wait to stand up there. And the perfect factor about it’s that we’re going to play in Scottish climate.
“This can be a particular sport, the Calcutta Cup. It’s been going for 151 years. It means lots to each nations and it’s the primary time I’ve gone there because the underdogs.
“There’ll be 67,000 followers and so they’ll be interested by all of the followers watching the sport on the BBC. They’ve to hold that burden. Each sport for us is identical – we’re anticipated to win, so it’s no totally different for us.
“We’re very geared up for it. We’re a younger however good facet. We’ve had a very good preparation with just a few obstacles thrown at us, however we’ve coped with that basically nicely.
“The facet has come collectively nicely – tactically, socially and emotionally.”
Kaynak: briturkish.com
