SCOTLAND coach Vern Cotter has insisted that his team’s strategy in tomorrow’s Calcutta Cup match will be about a lot more than merely stopping England from playing.
That’s despite England selecting a squad with the apparent aim of bludgeoning Scotland into submission.
But Cotter, whose team for the game shows only one change from the line-up that began the win against Wales in their last Six Nations outing, made it plain that his men will seek a victory through their own merits, not only by stifling their opponents. We don’t like the idea of going down there just hoping to win,” the coach said. “We like to construct a victory. That’s what this week is about. The players are very keen to do that.
“England haven’t lost for a long while, and we’re playing them at home. They’re a very competitive team and they’re obviously playing for something that’s important to them, and they’re playing on a field that’s important to them.”
The sole change made by Cotter, as expected, sees Hamish Watson start at openside in place of the injured John Hardie, while another Edinburgh player, the uncapped Cornell du Preez, comes onto the bench as back-row cover. Although Sean Maitland has been passed fit after missing the Welsh game, Tim Visser retains his place on the left wing after an impressive showing. The only other apparent doubt was second-row forward Richie Gray, but he has been passed fit.
“Richie couldn’t train for two days, but it was nice to be able to pick him alongside his brother as it’s good to have those combinations,” Cotter explained. “We’ve been developing through this Six Nations, so it’s one change and Cornell comes onto the bench. He’ll get an opportunity to challenge their bench, which will be a game within a game.”
Scotland (v England at Twickenham, tomorrow, 4pm): S Hogg; T Seymour (both Glasgow), H Jones (Stormers), A Dunbar (Glasgow), T Visser (Harlequins); F Russell, A Price; G Reid, F Brown, Z Fagerson (all Glasgow), R Gray (Toulouse), J Gray (Glasgow), J Barclay (Scarlets), H Watson (Edinburgh), R Wilson (Glasgow). Substitutes: R Ford, A Dell, S Berghan (all Edinburgh), T Swinson (Glasgow), C du Preez (Edinburgh), H Pyrgos (Glasgow), D Weir (Edinburgh), M Bennett (Glasgow)
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