Townsend labels England game as their ‘biggest fixture’

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has labelled next weekend’s Six Nations match with England as ‘their biggest fixture’ but knows they must balance their excitement and emotions if they are to win.

In the opening round of last year’s tournament, Scotland were victorious at Twickenham for the first time since 1983 after their 11-6 win.  

Duhan van der Merwe’s try proved pivotal in a memorable and deserved victory on the 150^th anniversary of the Calcutta Cup.

Eddie Jones’ England have won just one out of their last four Six Nations matches against Scotland and will be wary of the challenge a sold-out Murrayfield will bring.

Townsend says his side are relishing the challenge, with the fixture creating a unique buzz in training in preparation for the match.

He said: “It’s an exciting first game, it’s our biggest fixture we have every year. We play for a trophy, and it is the most historic fixture in world rugby.

“So, to have it as your first game just adds to the excitement, it really focuses our minds too because it’s England and because they’ve just beaten the world champions and they’re such a good side.”

However, despite the team’s excitement Townsend makes it clear his side must balance and control their emotions.

He said: “We’ll have to balance that excitement, and all the emotions that occur when you take on England.

“It has created a nice edge to our training performances, but we have to balance that with clear focus and bring our best rugby in order to win.”

Jones’ England have endured nightmare injury problems with captain Owen Farrell ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury, and winger Jonny May has pulled out of the squad with a knee problem.

Courtney Lawes, who was favourite to take over the captaincy from Farrell is currently side lined due to a head injury and Joe Marler was sent home from the training camp in Brighton after testing positive for Covid-19.