Lions rivals go toe-to-toe and Duhan danger – England v Scotland talking points
England have not beaten their rivals at home since 2017.
England will be aiming to wrestle the Calcutta Cup from Scotland when they meet in Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown at Allianz Stadium.
Here the PA news agency looks at five talking points heading into the 143rd meeting between the rivals.
Advantage Scotland
On the rise
England enter a tricky fixture with spring in their step after edging France in dramatic circumstances in round two. After almost a year of near-misses against top tier opposition, they finally got over the line to relieve the pressure that had built on head coach Steve Borthwick. The challenge now is to back it up knowing that ending their four-Test losing run against Scotland would propel them back into Six Nations title contention with two rounds remaining.
Fin v Finn
With Finn Russell passing his concussion tests, a fascinating duel between two British and Irish Lions contenders looms at fly-half. Fin Smith, still only 22, marked his full Test debut against France with a man of the match performance despite making a shaky start and on the evidence of his commanding finish at Allianz Stadium, he will occupy England’s 10 jersey for some time to come. Opposite him will be the favourite to fill the position on this summer’s Lions tour with Russell a playmaker capable of unpicking defences at any moment, even if he has yet to fire in this Six Nations.
Back in the saddle
Deadly Duhan
