6N 2016: Scotland v England, 6 February

by **George Carlin** Wed Jan 20, 2016 12:13 pm

First topic message reminder :

6N 2016: Scotland v England, 6 February - Page 8 Scot_f10

6N 2016: Scotland v England, 6 February - Page 8 Englan10

SCOTLAND v ENGLAND
6 February 2016
KO: 16:50 GMT
Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Live on BBC, RTE, FR2, DMAX / ITV(H)

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Touch judges: [tbc]
Television match official: [tbc]

A. Head to Head

133 Played 133
42 Won 73
18 Drawn 18
73 Lost 42
1,132 Points 1,547

B. Recent Form

14 March 2015
Twickenham, London
25 – 13 to England

8 February 2014
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
0 – 20 to England

2 February 2013
Twickenham, London
38 – 18 to England

4 February 2012
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
6 – 13 to England

1 October 2011
Eden Park, Auckland
16 – 12 to England

C. Teams

SCOTLAND
6N 2016: Scotland v England, 6 February - Page 8 Pia_mi10

6N 2016: Scotland v England, 6 February - Page 8 Pia_mi10

15. Stuart Hogg
14. Sean Maitland
13. Mark Bennett
12. Matt Scott
11. Tommy Seymour
10. Finn Russell
09. Greig Laidlaw (captain)

01. Alasdair Dickinson
02. Ross Ford
03. Willem Nel
04. Richie Gray
05. Jonny Gray
06. John Barclay
07. John Hardie
08. David Denton

16. Stuart McInally
17. Gordon Reid
18. Zander Fagerson
19. Tim Swinson
20. Blair Cowan
21. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne
22. Duncan Weir
23. Duncan Taylor

ENGLAND
6N 2016: Scotland v England, 6 February - Page 8 Daisy_11

6N 2016: Scotland v England, 6 February - Page 8 Daisy_11

15. Mike Brown
14. Anthony Watson
13. Jonathan Joseph
12. Owen Farrell
11. Jack Nowell
10. George Ford
09. Danny Care

01. Joe Marler
02. Dylan Hartley
03. Dan Cole
04. Joe Launchbury
05. George Kruis
06. Chris Robshaw
07. James Haskell
08. Billy Vunipola

16. Jamie George
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Paul Hill
19. Courtney Lawes
20. Jack Clifford
21. Ben Youngs
22. Alex Goode
23. Ollie Devoto

by 123456789 Mon Feb 01, 2016 4:27 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:
king_carlos wrote:
True Raven wrote:This might have been mentioned before but why is Haskell replacing Robshaw at 7? How is that an upgrade?

After the world cup wasn't everyone banging on about playing a natural 7 instead of shoehorning in a 6.5? Why not be bold and play kvesic and develop him

It's not in most of our minds. Jones is likely coming to Murrayfield with a very pragmatic game plan, he wants to make Scotland play from their half and wait for an error under pressure. Whilst Russell, Scott and Hogg are all capable of excellent attacking play they can also produce brain farts at important moments.

It sounds like Jones just wants his 7 to hit rucks to secure quick ball when in possession and slow some opposition ball down where possible rather than play on the edge of legality at the breakdown in search of turnovers but risking penalties. We will probably see a lot of Scotland running at a well set defensive line with England either waiting for a mistake to pounce on or trying to force Scotland to kick from where the Ford - Farrell axis should allow England to command the aerial ping pong.

I.e. it seems he'd rather sacrifice a turnover or 2 in return for not risking breakdown penalties which give up territory.

The counter argument to this is of course that Haskell can give away some dumb breakdown penalties himself - this is why I'd have started Kvesic. Perhaps Jones thinks he can get the best from Haskell with simple instructions of hit lots of rucks and offer yourself to carry where possible. On his day Haskell can be excellent so perhaps it will come off...

That's the big aspect.

From a Scottish perspective it looks like we are lining up two 7s, potentially Hardie and Barclay, whilst you're right about the kicking element the idea of Barclay and Hardie against Robshaw and Haskell is heartening. Also when you consider Scotland have both Laidlaw and Hogg who will add to the territorial battle it may not be that simple.

by **LondonTiger** Mon Feb 01, 2016 4:29 pm

RuggerRadge2611 wrote:lol a link to his troll article would really brighten up my day Tiger!

Sadly it was in the Times so behind a paywall

by funnyExiledScot Mon Feb 01, 2016 4:50 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
RuggerRadge2611 wrote:lol a link to his troll article would really brighten up my day Tiger!

Sadly it was in the Times so behind a paywall

Not meaning to go off on a tangent, but that Times paywall really p1sses me off.

by englandglory4ever Mon Feb 01, 2016 5:06 pm

"Itoje..and picked up the man of the match gong." And who awarded it to him? Austin Healey, a self confessed dullard when it comes to forward play. Just thought I'd temper that a little but still think Itoje is a brilliant prospect and will make the team at some point.

by **George Carlin** Mon Feb 01, 2016 5:22 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
The idea that Scotland would be favourites for this is laughable. The very fact that Eddie Jones has wheeled it out as part of least subtle media strategy since the last time Gatland opened his mouth is testimony to that.

The England pack will be hugely physical and likely match us for international experience. Whilst I think we have better players than over the last 5 years, the gulf between the teams on each and every occassion we've met during that period has been clear.

So, I make England clear favourites for this. What I would say however is that whilst I haven't seen a path to victory for Scotland for a few years, I do think this team has the attacking firepower to cause England problems, particularly if Hardie/Cowan can get turnover ball quickly into the hands of Finn Russell. Laidlaw is also a steady operator with the boot and a shrewd and experienced captain which is worth a lot in these sorts of games.

Basically, this. 6N 2016: Scotland v England, 6 February - Page 8 H09is10

by Poorfour Mon Feb 01, 2016 6:04 pm

englandglory4ever wrote:"Itoje..and picked up the man of the match gong." And who awarded it to him? Austin Healey, a self confessed dullard when it comes to forward play. Just thought I'd temper that a little but still think Itoje is a brilliant prospect and will make the team at some point.

To be fair, Itoje's second half performance merited it. Made some big carries and was a major factor in disrupting Bath's access to quick ball. I'm still comfortable with the locks that Eddie's picked, but I expect Itoje to get game time during the 6N and he has a good chance to force his way into the squad permanently over the summer.

Again, reality check: Lancaster made a series of gambles in the RWC, none of which actually came off, and got completely outmanoeuvred by the Aussie media campaign on the scrum. Eddie's got a little over two weeks to gel a team into a competitive unit, and he inherited a squad that most people broadly agreed with.

So his to do list looks something like this:
#1 - Fix scrum. Go back to whatever the same players were doing a year ago
#2 - Fix lineout. Pick a hooker who can throw, a backup hooker who can also throw, and include their respective lineout leaders in the XXIII (Does anyone really think that trying out a new lineout pairing - i.e. Itoje and anyone - is a sensible option against the Gray brothers? I think Lawes will start for that reason)
#3 - Fix the breakdown. Haven't got a proper 7 who's trusted at that level, so prioritise aggression and clearing out over turnovers.
#4 - Fix defence. Find a system that works. Instil rapidly.
#5 - Play in the right part of the field. Have kicking options in the backline and have options for when the 10 is under pressure

That's about the most you can manage in a couple of weeks. By keeping a largely familiar squad together he has at least some chance that the attack will gel.

Have to say I am in two minds about Farrell at 12, but I suspect Eddie will have given him a very clear job to do and he will know that his place is at risk if he doesn't get on and do it. (This may be one reason Cipriani is out on his ear for now: a player who you can almost guarantee won't follow orders). Also, if the long term answer is Slade, then Farrell is the closest match physically and in terms of skill set, so at least he can start to build a system around him. Don't know if it will work, but I can see the logic.

by maestegmafia Mon Feb 01, 2016 6:33 pm

The idea of a well coached midfield of Cipriani, Slade and Daly would scare me. Not so much Ford Farrell and Joseph

by No 7&1/2 Mon Feb 01, 2016 6:41 pm

Is it just Farrell that warms your cockles maes? I go back to the 6Ns where a misfiring Burrell was part of the best backline on show and think Owen won't be worse.

by No 7&1/2 Mon Feb 01, 2016 6:46 pm

Lawes facing a fitness test on Thursday so an outside chance Itoje could make the squad, may help confirm Kruis as a starter too.

by yappysnap Tue Feb 02, 2016 8:53 am

Poorfour wrote:
englandglory4ever wrote:"Itoje..and picked up the man of the match gong." And who awarded it to him? Austin Healey, a self confessed dullard when it comes to forward play. Just thought I'd temper that a little but still think Itoje is a brilliant prospect and will make the team at some point.

To be fair, Itoje's second half performance merited it. Made some big carries and was a major factor in disrupting Bath's access to quick ball. I'm still comfortable with the locks that Eddie's picked, but I expect Itoje to get game time during the 6N and he has a good chance to force his way into the squad permanently over the summer.

Again, reality check: Lancaster made a series of gambles in the RWC, none of which actually came off, and got completely outmanoeuvred by the Aussie media campaign on the scrum. Eddie's got a little over two weeks to gel a team into a competitive unit, and he inherited a squad that most people broadly agreed with.

So his to do list looks something like this:
#1 - Fix scrum. Go back to whatever the same players were doing a year ago
#2 - Fix lineout. Pick a hooker who can throw, a backup hooker who can also throw, and include their respective lineout leaders in the XXIII (Does anyone really think that trying out a new lineout pairing - i.e. Itoje and anyone - is a sensible option against the Gray brothers? I think Lawes will start for that reason)
#3 - Fix the breakdown. Haven't got a proper 7 who's trusted at that level, so prioritise aggression and clearing out over turnovers.
#4 - Fix defence. Find a system that works. Instil rapidly.
#5 - Play in the right part of the field. Have kicking options in the backline and have options for when the 10 is under pressure

That's about the most you can manage in a couple of weeks. By keeping a largely familiar squad together he has at least some chance that the attack will gel.

Have to say I am in two minds about Farrell at 12, but I suspect Eddie will have given him a very clear job to do and he will know that his place is at risk if he doesn't get on and do it. (This may be one reason Cipriani is out on his ear for now: a player who you can almost guarantee won't follow orders). Also, if the long term answer is Slade, then Farrell is the closest match physically and in terms of skill set, so at least he can start to build a system around him. Don't know if it will work, but I can see the logic.

Really good points there, i'll add my thoughts as well.

So his to do list looks something like this:
#1 - Fix scrum. Go back to whatever the same players were doing a year ago - Changing hooker, and rotating props should help. There was a feeling that the front row was a little stale in the RWC
#2 - Fix lineout. Pick a hooker who can throw, a backup hooker who can also throw, and include their respective lineout leaders in the XXIII (Does anyone really think that trying out a new lineout pairing - i.e. Itoje and anyone - is a sensible option against the Gray brothers? I think Lawes will start for that reason) - I don't think the line out was too bad, it's the choice of throws and quality of mauling that needs improvement. The AP has seen teams score a lot from mauls so hopefully we can bring that to the England camp too
#3 - Fix the breakdown. Haven't got a proper 7 who's trusted at that level, so prioritise aggression and clearing out over turnovers. - The pack need to work as a team, multiple players driving over will beat any specialist 7 no matter how good they are. Need to get away from the lazy an ineffective crocodile rolls done from static too, guys need to get low and drive right through contact ala SOB https://youtu.be/XVUHFFUvjKk
#4 - Fix defence. Find a system that works. Instil rapidly.
#5 - Play in the right part of the field. Have kicking options in the backline and have options for when the 10 is under pressure

by RuggerRadge2611 Tue Feb 02, 2016 2:17 pm

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/01/greig-laidlaw-scotland-world-cup-six-nations-england

Great article there ^

by funnyExiledScot Tue Feb 02, 2016 4:31 pm

George Carlin wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
The idea that Scotland would be favourites for this is laughable. The very fact that Eddie Jones has wheeled it out as part of least subtle media strategy since the last time Gatland opened his mouth is testimony to that.

The England pack will be hugely physical and likely match us for international experience. Whilst I think we have better players than over the last 5 years, the gulf between the teams on each and every occassion we've met during that period has been clear.

So, I make England clear favourites for this. What I would say however is that whilst I haven't seen a path to victory for Scotland for a few years, I do think this team has the attacking firepower to cause England problems, particularly if Hardie/Cowan can get turnover ball quickly into the hands of Finn Russell. Laidlaw is also a steady operator with the boot and a shrewd and experienced captain which is worth a lot in these sorts of games.
Basically, this.

Why the edit?? I didn't take offence!

by **LondonTiger** Tue Feb 02, 2016 6:23 pm

England squad (v Scotland, Saturday 4.50pm)
Forwards (13)
Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
Jack Clifford (Harlequins)
Jamie George (Saracens)
Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
James Haskell (Wasps)
Paul Hill (Northampton Saints)
George Kruis (Saracens)
Joe Launchbury (Wasps)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
Joe Marler (Harlequins)
Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Mako Vunipola (Saracens)

Backs (10)
Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Danny Care (Harlequins)
Ollie Devoto (Bath Rugby)
Owen Farrell (Saracens)
George Ford (Bath Rugby)
Alex Goode (Saracens)
Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby)
Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs)
Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby)
Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)

Maro Itoje (Saracens) and Elliot Daly (Wasps) will travel to Edinburgh as reserves.

by Totalflanker Tue Feb 02, 2016 8:17 pm

Not sure what the scrum will bring on Saturday - parity?

But from a Scots' perspective very glad to see Brookes released from the squad. Even if only on for half or as a sub, could see a fair few scrum penalties in England's favour if he was on the field

by **RDW** Tue Feb 02, 2016 8:52 pm

Apparently Scotland haven't scored a try against England at Murrayfield since 2004 - that's an incredible stat!

by Geordie Tue Feb 02, 2016 8:57 pm

WHeres that from LT?

by **LondonTiger** Tue Feb 02, 2016 9:28 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:WHeres that from LT?

Tigers website, but a copy of RFU release

by DirtyRucker7 Tue Feb 02, 2016 11:14 pm

My god looking at our team i fear for Scotland we are going to hammer them, we are looking at a 50+ pointer

by TJ Tue Feb 02, 2016 11:18 pm

by **George Carlin** Wed Feb 03, 2016 6:14 am

DirtyRucker7 wrote:My god looking at our team i fear for Scotland we are going to hammer them, we are looking at a 50+ pointer

6N 2016: Scotland v England, 6 February - Page 8 Fes_fa10

by Geordie Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:19 am

So...judging on the Telegraphs piece (and they're usually bang on its)

1 Marler
2 Hartley (C)
3 Cole
4 Launchbury
5 Kruis
6 Robshaw
7 Haskell
8 Billy V

9 Care
10 Ford
11 Nowell
12 Farrell
13 Joseph
14 Watson
15 Brown

16 B.Youngs
17 Devoto
18 (A back 3 player)
19 Hill
20 Mako
21 George
22 Lawes (Itoje if Lawes doesn't pass fitness test)
23 Clifford

by **LondonTiger** Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:21 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:So...judging on the Telegraphs piece (and they're usually bang on its)

16 Youngs

Surely not. Jamie George and LCD are ahead of him in the squad.

by RubyGuby Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:22 am

That would be it I think Geordie - Would you have made a different selection for this game, maybe 1 or 2?
thumbsup

by RubyGuby Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:23 am

Youngs is a scrum half thumbsup

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:24 am

George Carlin wrote:
DirtyRucker7 wrote:My god looking at our team i fear for Scotland we are going to hammer them, we are looking at a 50+ pointer

by Geordie Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:36 am

RubyGuby wrote:That would be it I think Geordie - Would you have made a different selection for this game, maybe 1 or 2?

In truth not a huge amount of changes.

He's not had a huge amount of time with the squad to make dramatic changes to tactics and plays. Thus he's gone with experience and the bulk of the side that has finished 2nd in the last four years and generally played well (ignoring the world cup and the annual 6n loss).

Its sensible rather than radical.

Actually theres is quite a bit of creativity 9-13, quality wingers and set piece winning forwards (even if their form is a little concerning)

Farrell is the one that stands out. If it comes off he'll be a mastermind...if it doesn't then people will say "I told you so"

by beshocked Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:37 am

Hopefully Lawes isn't fit. No point Itoje missing both the Scotland game and the top 2 clash in the AP to be a tackle bag holder.

by RubyGuby Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:41 am

Yeah I would agree with you, he's playing "safe" with Haskell (I know that doesn't sound right) as well but I'm sure he will look to tweak things. This is a very tough game and he will need the experience up there. I can see a few rolling mauls from the line out and I actually don't think it will be that expansive at the moment even with Eddie in charge. The one thing it will be is exciting and edge of the seat stuff, like I said earlier on another thread you could do what Wales did 07 RWC and 08 GS. thumbsup

by Geordie Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:44 am

beshocked wrote:Hopefully Lawes isn't fit. No point Itoje missing both the Scotland game and the top 2 clash in the AP to be a tackle bag holder.

I have a suspicion Itoje will play.

by Tattie Scones RRN Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:46 am

If that's the team GF, I think Cotter will definitely field two specialist 7s so with that in mind, a backrow of either:

Hardie, Denton & Cowan or Hardie, Barclay & Denton.

Huge England pack though and backs pretty dangerous.

I think Scotland will have to play much better than they did against Australia to have even a sniff of victory.

by No 7&1/2 Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:48 am

I have a feeling Itoje and Daly have a great chance at making the bench.

by Geordie Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:49 am

RubyGuby wrote:Yeah I would agree with you, he's playing "safe" with Haskell (I know that doesn't sound right) as well but I'm sure he will look to tweak things. This is a very tough game and he will need the experience up there. I can see a few rolling mauls from the line out and I actually don't think it will be that expansive at the moment even with Eddie in charge. The one thing it will be is exciting and edge of the seat stuff, like I said earlier on another thread you could do what Wales did 07 RWC and 08 GS.

Haskell takes a lot of stick from his international performances. They have never matched what he does at club level - mostly due to consistency.

On his day he is a bruising tackler, and a hard carrying flanker. Keep his job very basic and he should thrive like he does for Wasps.
Jones instructions will match that. Get to the breakdown quick. Get in place and stay there. Don't try to be too smart like a specialist 7!

Again...we don't know how it will come off until 4.50 on Saturday.

by funnyExiledScot Wed Feb 03, 2016 9:57 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:Apparently Scotland haven't scored a try against England at Murrayfield since 2004 - that's an incredible stat!

Remarkable - especially given that we won in 2006 and 2008.

We didn't score any points during the last 80 minutes at Murrayfield. A Scott Johnson special with Fat Boy Weir pulling the strings and the mighty Ryan Wilson being a plank on the flank. For those who see Scotland as favourites for this, take a look at that game.

by Geordie Wed Feb 03, 2016 10:01 am

Scotland are a better team from then though

by **George Carlin** Wed Feb 03, 2016 10:39 am

I am currently depressed. I recognise this as being in the Pre-6 Nations Trough.

I had a premonition of the headlines from Sunday's newspapers and I am preparing myself for us to get stuffed like a Siamese invaded by a junior taxidermist high on mescaline and Diet Fanta.

by RubyGuby Wed Feb 03, 2016 10:43 am

Are you English or Scottish George?

by **LondonTiger** Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:09 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:I have a feeling Itoje and Daly have a great chance at making the bench.

As they are merely named as travelling reserves, and outside the 23 man squad, only if there is an injury. itoje therefore in with a real chance, but Daly less so. However I would rather have Daly on the bench than whichever of Brown/Goode does not start at FB.

by No 7&1/2 Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:10 am

Ah you've not in on my plan to go up and give Goode a good kick in the shin.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:11 am

RubyGuby wrote:Are you English or Scottish George?

You have to ask that? LoL Hug

I genuinely think this game is a 50-50. What's worse is a couple of weeks ago I had England as firm faves, the fact I'm now thinking it's 50-50 is a sign of the lingering Scottish optimism growing in my soul.

England's win IMO will be down to their players and not their coach.

by funnyExiledScot Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:12 am

RubyGuby wrote:Are you English or Scottish George?

He's from Ayr. That means he operates on a higher plain.

by Cumbrian Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:16 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:
RubyGuby wrote:Yeah I would agree with you, he's playing "safe" with Haskell (I know that doesn't sound right) as well but I'm sure he will look to tweak things. This is a very tough game and he will need the experience up there. I can see a few rolling mauls from the line out and I actually don't think it will be that expansive at the moment even with Eddie in charge. The one thing it will be is exciting and edge of the seat stuff, like I said earlier on another thread you could do what Wales did 07 RWC and 08 GS.

Haskell takes a lot of stick from his international performances. They have never matched what he does at club level - mostly due to consistency.

On his day he is a bruising tackler, and a hard carrying flanker. Keep his job very basic and he should thrive like he does for Wasps.
Jones instructions will match that. Get to the breakdown quick. Get in place and stay there. Don't try to be too smart like a specialist 7!

Again...we don't know how it will come off until 4.50 on Saturday.

I agree with you. Haskell is there to add power, something he is more than capable of. If he can cut out the penalties I reckon he could be a decent pick. I know the Scotland pack is different from last year, but it is worth noting that the back-row that England put out was Haskell, Robshaw and Vunipola. They were part of a pack that dominated Scotland that day and England should really have won by more. It's also worth noting that Hartley was the starting hooker all Championship and some how managed to avoid getting a yellow card, just like every-other Six Nations game he was ever played in... (Shocking I know).

by sensisball Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:31 am

It's also worth noting that John Hardie is actually a really quick and genuine 7 who could have a field day at the breakdown.
it's also worth noting that WP Nel demolished all the loose heads he came up against in the WC including the Q F against Australia. The Australia that man shamed the English scrum in their pool match. England will be using the same personnel as loose head props on Saturday. Just worth noting.

by No 7&1/2 Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:33 am

It'll definitely be worth seeing whether England are destroyed in the scrum and at the breakdown.

by **RDW** Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:33 am

Nel hasn't been on as good form since the WC to be fair - nothing wrong, he just hasn't been dominating as much as he used to for Edinburgh. He's looked tired in some games too - not surprising given how much Edinburgh use him.

by EWT Spoons Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:35 am

Think we'll probably see the scrum and breakdown being fairly even affairs. Can't see either team having a major advantage.

by Geordie Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:36 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:It'll definitely be worth seeing whether England are destroyed in the scrum and at the breakdown.

It seems to be the opinions of all the Scots that we will be.

by **RDW** Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:37 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:It'll definitely be worth seeing whether England are destroyed in the scrum and at the breakdown.

It seems to be the opinions of all the Scots that we will be.

Worth saying that one or two does not equal all!

Especially given the comment directly above yours.

I can't see us being noticeably on top but we should definitely be very competitive there.

by Geordie Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:39 am

True I wont tar everyone with the same brush.

I think it will be a even game.

by RuggerRadge2611 Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:40 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:It'll definitely be worth seeing whether England are destroyed in the scrum and at the breakdown.

It seems to be the opinions of all the Scots that we will be.

not necessarily so, as this comment suggests :

EWT Spoons wrote:Think we'll probably see the scrum and breakdown being fairly even affairs. Can't see either team having a major advantage.

not this one:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Nel hasn't been on as good form since the WC to be fair - nothing wrong, he just hasn't been dominating as much as he used to for Edinburgh. He's looked tired in some games too - not surprising given how much Edinburgh use him.

I think the scrums will be an even affair especially with Hartley the hooligan Wink

at hooker to stabilize things.

I do think if we pick the right people England will suffer at the breakdown. If we go with Cowan and Hardie or Barclay and Hardie, the Robshaw and Haskell combination will suffer. England will have an advantage in physicality but I do feel we will have an advantage at the breakdown.

by EWT Spoons Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:40 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:It'll definitely be worth seeing whether England are destroyed in the scrum and at the breakdown.

It seems to be the opinions of all the Scots that we will be.

Not all. We have a good scrum and some decent players at the breakdown, but so do England. Plus Jones put a lot of emphasis on the scrum with Japan, not sure he'll do the same with England, but it's entirely possible.

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