Preview: England v Scotland

What they said

Head Coach Gregor Townsend said: “For our supporters, it is the biggest game of the season. For us, as players, it is hugely important because we play for a trophy, but it’s only 1 of 5 Six Nations games.

We believe this is the strongest squad we can pick for this weekend.”

Ben White, who starts at scrum half, said: “It is a huge honour to get to start for Scotland. It’s something I am really excited about, getting the opportunity to play for Scotland is an incredible honour.”

The team

Stats

• Scotland have won their opening fixture in four of the last six Guinness Six Nations campaigns, including their last two in a row – both against England – this after winning just one of their previous 17 such matches.
• Scotland have won five of their last seven away matches in the Guinness Six Nations (L2), as many as they’d won in their previous 43 such fixtures.
• Scotland (82.4%) and England (81.5%) had the best place-kicking success rates in last year’s Guinness Six Nations, while Scotland were also the only side not to miss a single penalty goal attempt in the Championship last year (7/7).
• Scotland were the only side to beat 100+ opposition defenders in last year’s Guinness Six Nations (128), while they were one of just two sides to carry for 4000+ metres in the Championship in 2022 (4219).