Guernsey Press

5 talking points ahead of the Six Nations clash between Scotland and England

Both sides come into the clash at Murrayfield on the back of opening-round defeats.

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England head to Murrayfield for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Scotland knowing their 48 per cent win record in Edinburgh leaves them facing an uphill task to lift the Calcutta Cup for the first time since 2017.

Here, the PA news agency examines five talking points heading into the round two fixture.

England revamp

Only on one previous occasion in the Six Nations has Jones completed more drastic surgery to his starting XV – against Ireland two years ago – with the demotion of Ben Youngs to the bench the biggest casualty of the five changes made. Willi Heinz starts at scrum-half in his place, while Courtney Lawes, Charlie Ewels, Joe Marler and Manu Tuilagi are also gone, although the latter’s absence is at least enforced by a groin injury.

‘Bomb Squad’

South Africa's 'Bomb Squad' tactic helped secure the 2019 World Cup in Japan
South Africa’s ‘Bomb Squad’ tactic helped secure the 2019 World Cup in Japan (David Davies/PA)

Power deficit

Manu Tuilagi's absence could hurt England's chances in Scotland
Manu Tuilagi’s absence could hurt England’s chances in Scotland (Adam Davy/PA)

Murrayfield blues

Scotland ran out 25-13 winners when England last travelled to Murrayfield in 2018
Scotland ran out 25-13 winners when England last travelled to Murrayfield in 2018 (Ian Rutherford/PA)

They hate us, we hate them

England flanker Lewis Ludlam has caused a storm in the build-up to the match
England flanker Lewis Ludlam has caused a storm in the build-up to the match (Adam Davy/PA)
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