SCOTS PLAN TO STORM HQ
Visser: We believe we can win at Twickenham
Scotland 29 Wales 13 BY ALEX BYWATER TIM VISSER believes Scotland can storm Twickenham and secure a first win at HQ since 1983.
Vern Cotter’s men travel to London for their Calcutta Cup clash a week on Saturday buoyed by their 29-13 comeback victory over Wales at Murrayfield.
Wing Visser scored the crucial try as Scotland overturned a 13-9 half-time deficit in stunning fashion. The Harlequins flyer is now targeting Eddie Jones’ side.
None of the current team were born the last time Scotland won away from home against the Red Rose, but Visser said: “Beating England at Twickenham would be the best result I’ve ever been involved in. I’m sure it’s like that for the rest of the guys, too. We believe we can win at Twickenham.
“Anything is possible – you’ve seen that with our win over Wales. England are formidable and have been since the World Cup, but we will be going down there with optimism.” Visser was excellent against Wales, making a try-saving tackle and competing well in the air as well as popping up with his 67thminute score.
Scotland are still on for the Triple Crown, but face an England side looking to equal New Zealand’s world record of 18 consecutive wins. They took their unbeaten run to 17 with victory over Italy yesterday.
Visser added: “England will be another step up for us. You can’t underestimate them, ever. They are easily the best team in the Championship, but we will go down there with a lot of optimism.”
Scotland have improved markedly under Cotter and while England are firm favourites, Jones will be wary of the visitors’ threat.
In Stuart Hogg and lock brothers Richie and Jonny Gray, Scotland have men pushing hard for a British Lions starting place. Tommy Seymour also grabbed a try against Wales, while fly-half Finn Russell kicked 19 points in a man-of-thematch display, .
Scotland will have to go up another level to beat England, but will be motivated to end their last Six Nations under their Kiwi head coach on a high. Cotter will join Montpellier in the summer, with Gregor Townsend his replacement.
“We want to do it for Vern,” said Visser. “He’s put a lot of hard work into getting this team going forward.”