Now Scotland face a real test of character against Italy

THERE was always a risk that Scotland would suffer a backlash from England after they were made to look silly by Italy two weeks ago.

Sadly, despite all the optimism before the Calcutta Cup match, the visitors contributed to their own downfall against an English side who played their best rugby of the Championship.

Vern Cotter’s side were left wondering what had hit them.

England had not started a match well during this 6 Nations – until yesterday.

They came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders, and when Scotland were reduced to 14 men with a daft yellow card in the first few minutes of the match, they made their opponents pay.

Within minutes, Jonathan Joseph had carved open the Scottish midfield and was in under the posts.

With Owen Farrell as metronomic with his kicking as Jonny Wilkinson, the scoreboard began to run away from the Scots and the game wasn’t even a quarter old.

Farrell must be the starting inside centre for the Lions this year, because not only does his kicking hurt teams, but his passing is pinpoint accurate – as it has been all year.

He made space for Joseph’s second try and England looked in rare form, cutting the Scottish midfield defence to shreds.

And that was surprising, given how well Scotland have defended so far this season.

Jones and Dunbar appeared to start too wide apart and misread the English plays, which meant that there were gaps aplenty.

It was not their finest game as a centre pairing, but they were not the only players not to fulfil their potential.

The Scots were also hampered by injuries, and Cotter will be hoping that the likes of Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour are not too badly concussed – he will want them both in his starting XV next weekend.

Yet even with a full complement, I doubt whether Scotland could have hoped to compete with this England, dominant up front and with real cutting edge and pace out wide.

They won the Championship in style and only Ireland can prevent them from winning back-to-back Grand Slams.

And here lies the problem for Scotland.

With many players injured, they will have to pick themselves up from a record equalling defeat and face an Italian side desperate for a win.

The Italians have so often proved to be Scotland’s bogey team, yet I’m certain that this group of players will want to send Vern Cotter off on a high and finish the Championship campaign in style.

It’s a real test of the character of the team.