Wilson – forward battle vital

The view itself is fairly commonplace in the sport, however, in light of Storm Ciara brewing and the weather-anticipated 6/2 split on the England ‘finishers’ bench, the view is given added weight on this occasion.

“Wet and windy is obviously going to have an effect on the way the game pans out,” he said.

“Having said that, we’re in a stadium where you’re not quite as exposed to the elements.

“For me, the most important part is how each team adapts to the conditions the fastest, and we won’t know that fully until we get here.”

Wilson joined the national team in the summer of 2018 and – were he in any doubt before – the 2019 draw at Twickenham and the intensified build-up this week has underscored it’s significance in the rugby calendar for supporters around the world.

This game also has the potential to make or break the sides’ 2020 championship hopes, both coming into the match off the back of opening round defeats on the road.

England’s defeat against France has had supporters and commentators speculating whether it was a good or bad outcome for the men in blue, with many glossing over any potential reaction from the Scotland camp from their own defeat to Ireland in Dublin.

Scotland emerged with some credit for a performance full of grit and purpose, but one which ultimately came up short, leaving Wilson, again, to measure his words on the eve of this vital game.

He said: “I think physically [against Ireland] we were a different animal.

“A number of individuals turned up and were physical in positions that perhaps we weren’t previously. It gave us a bit of a platform to be able to be in the game.

“It’s obviously a really exciting week for everyone involved, the build up to the game is like no other. There’s a bit of rivalry and that feel about it gets everybody excited.

“The last couple of times we’ve played them [England] there’s been some positive stuff from us.

“Tomorrow we’re at home with a passionate home crowd. We’re motivated and looking forward to the challenge, which we all know is going to be a physical one.”
Assistant Coach Danny Wilson