Six Nations preview: England tell Scotland ‘we hate you too’

Scotland vs. England 

• What: Six Nations round two
• When: Saturday 8 February 
• Where: BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh 
• Start time: 4.45pm GMT 
• TV coverage: live on BBC 
• Team announcements: Thursday 6 February

England travel to Edinburgh on Saturday knowing that the whole of Scotland hates them – and the feeling is mutual.

Just 24 hours after Scotland centre Sam Johnson went public on his feelings for the “Auld Enemy”, England’s Lewis Ludlum assured the men north of the border that they’re not really his cup of tea. 

“They hate us and we hate them, there is no difference,” said the Northampton Saints flanker ahead of the Six Nations clash.

In an age when everyone is terrified of giving offence by saying the wrong thing, it’s rather refreshing to hear two antagonists firing verbal broadsides at will, and the war of words is sure to intensify between now and Saturday afternoon when the two sides run out at Murrayfield.

Tunnel tussle

Two years ago in this fixture, emotions became so fraught that the sides squared up in the tunnel before kick-off.

It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if there was a similar incident on Saturday, especially as both England and Scotland have something to prove to their supporters after dismal defeats in last weekend’s opening round of the competition.

Six Nations 2020: round two teams, fixtures and TV schedule

‘We expect war’

Asked if he was fearful of the reception England will receive from the raucous Murrayfield crowd, Ludlum replied: “It’s just another place to go. It’s going to be a war and it’s something we’re excited for. 

“Personally I love that. I love being the team that everyone is rooting against. That definitely helps me to get revved up for a game. People being against you has got a way of really revving you up.”

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Passion play

Ludlum, who has been known to shed the odd tear during the national anthem, also dismissed the idea that England can’t compete with Scotland and the other Celtic nations when it comes to playing with passion. 

He added: “We are going out on the weekend to get stuck into them and they are going to do the same to us. I don’t think there is any difference in the passion between the two sides.

“Whenever you pull on the shirt, it is a proud moment, it is a passionate experience. I don’t think they will be any more revved up than we will be.”

Hogg ready to move on 

After the 19-12 loss to Ireland in round one Scotland will be looking to bounce back this weekend. 

Captain Stuart Hogg made a costly mistake in Dublin and the full-back is ready to move on. 

He said: “It was a tough weekend but I’m very grateful for the support from everyone involved in the group. Can’t wait to get back out there this weekend with the boys and put things right.”

Scots are ready for ‘biggest game’

Lock Scott Cummings says Saturday’s clash is now a must-win following the defeat in Ireland. 

“For us, it’s about winning at all costs,” he said. “I think we’ve showed we’ve got the ability to score tries and stop teams so we’re excited for it. But winning at all costs is important. 

“I’m sure England will be pumped to come up and try and beat us. It’s a big game for them as well so I’m sure they’ll be just as pumped up as we are. 

“England at home is the biggest game of the season, any season, and we’ll be ready for it.”

Team changes

England head coach Eddie Jones will name his starting XV at 10.30am today, but there will definitely be changes to the side that slumped to defeat against France. 

Manu Tuilagi is out with a groin injury and second-row Charlie Ewels has been dropped from the 25-man squad. Anthony Watson also misses the match through injury. 

Veteran lock Joe Launchbury returns at Ewels’ expense after recovering from a knee injury, and another old-timer, prop Mako Vunipola, will play after missing the French game. 

The uncapped pair of Ben Earl, the Saracens back row, and Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley could make their Six Nations debut after inclusion in the squad.

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend will announce his matchday squad at 1.30pm today. Fly-half Finn Russell is again left out after breaching team protocol ahead of the opening fixtures. 

Six Nations round two fixtures

Saturday 8 February

• Ireland vs. Wales (2.15pm GMT; live on ITV and S4C) 
• Scotland vs. England (4.45pm GMT; live on BBC)

Sunday 9 February

• France vs. Italy (3pm GMT; live on BBC)

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