Why I fear the Tartan ‘ferrets’, by icon Winterbottom
IF anyone is in position to assess the two Calcutta Cup back rows it is legendary England openside flanker Peter Winterbottom.
With 58 England caps, seven Lions starts and countless scars from an illustrious nine-year international career that also earned him two Grand Slams and a World Cup final appearance in 1991, the former Otley player’s name is etched in English rugby folklore.
So, when Winterbottom raises concerns about how England’s back-row trio — expected to be 6ft 3in James Haskell, 6ft 4in Maro Itoje and 6ft 5in Nathan Hughes, with fit-again Billy Vunipola on the bench — will cope with Scotland’s tearaways, it is worth taking notice.
‘I think England could find the breakdown very difficult against Scotland,’ said Winterbottom, who played in 1983 the last time Scotland won at Twickenham.
‘The back rows are one of the main points of difference between the two sides. England’s is relatively pedestrian with three big ball carriers, three big tacklers.
‘Itoje is pretty good at getting turnovers and Haskell is on his day, but they are not out-andout ball-stealers on the ground.
‘The Scots are small and quick compared to England and they’re going to be a real threat. They’ll be in there ferreting for
the ball at every breakdown. Whoever they play, whether it be Hamish Watson or John Hardie, they are similar types of players and John Barclay is a seven. Ryan Wilson at No8 is not a big guy at 6ft 3in and they’re playing against three big blokes.
‘Haskell has done well and Itoje played well against Italy but you don’t have much pace in England’s pack. I don’t think they’ve been as effective as they could have been.
‘Scotland will be looking for a fast game. I’m not sure we have the boys up front to deal with that. The 1983 Scotland side was very good indeed with some outstanding players including Jonny Rutherford, Roy Laidlaw, Jim Calder, David Leslie. But it’s 34 years since that game and Scotland clearly have problems playing at Twickenham. They’ll be desperate to get the monkey off their back next weekend.
‘Although Scotland are playing well and will come in with some confidence, you’ve got to think England have to find their game sometime. If they don’t do that against Scotland they’ll come a cropper.
‘I expect England to win but whatever happens, winning in Dublin is going to be a big ask. I would bet on England winning a Grand Slam but it wouldn’t be a great deal.’