Stephen Ferris previews Calcutta Cup clash between England and Scotland
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Stephen Ferris previews England v Scotland
Ladbrokes ambassador Stephen Ferris takes a look at the second game on the opening weekend of the Six Nations as Steve Borthwick starts his reign as England coach hoping to win back the Calcutta Cup in Saturday’s clash with Scotland at Twickenham.
Check out the former Ireland international’s thoughts on the Wales v Ireland and Italy v France games by clicking on the links and read our players to watch in the Six Nations over the six weeks.
England v Scotland (Sat, 16.45, BBC)
The biggest rivalry in international rugby? I’m not so sure. However, the last few games between these two have given us a lot to cheer about, especially the Scots. England haven’t beaten Scotland at Twickenham since March 2017, so it’s strange they are the 10-point favourites in the handicap.
I’m genuinely confused on why the margin is so big. England are without Henry Slade, Courtney Lawes, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Elliot Daly. There are also injury concerns over Jamie George and Tom Curry whose fitness will be monitored during this week. So with three-quarters of England’s starters not going to feature, you would think Scotland would be given more of a chance. Maybe it’s the new head man Steve Borthwick that has driven the big margin?
Proud & passionate 👊
Kevin Sinfield has been encouraged by what he's seen in camp ahead of #ENGvSCO 👇
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 1, 2023
After his success last season, he certainly has a taste for it, but as we all know international rugby is a different ball game altogether. It usually takes time to knit a squad and lay down your blueprint, but he doesn’t have much time. In eight months’ time, England will be kicking off in a Rugby World Cup, so it’s crucial they have something to build on, and it starts this weekend.
Most people in rugby circles would say that Scotland are one of the biggest underachievers in world rugby. They constantly produce mercurial players that can either win you a game or lose you a game. Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg and Duhan Van Der Merwe are crucial players for Scotland, and when they find their groove, they usually decide the outcome of the match. But when they don’t bring their ‘A’ game that’s when Scotland struggle.
They don’t have a massive pack of forwards that can dominate the close quarters, so, they rely heavily on really good game management and moments of brilliance. The Tartan Army will be travelling in numbers to London and hoping that there is another upset on the cards.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
