Scotland not the only proud side: Jones

RUGBY

LONDON: Eddie Jones has warned Scotland it does not possess a ‘‘monopoly on pride’,’ and has pondered whether it could collapse beneath its own expectations in the Calcutta Cup clash.

England launches its Six Nations title defence tomorrow with the 139th instalment of the oldest rivalry in world rugby, which also celebrates the 150th anniversary of the teams’ first meeting in Edinburgh.

With poignancy swirling around the crossborder showdown at Twickenham, England’s Australian head coach Jones, back to his prematch baiting best, issued a riposte to the misconception that national pride is only a Celtic trait.

‘‘For Scotland, this is their most important game of the year, they talk about it all the time,’’ Jones said.

‘‘But Scotland don’t have a monopoly on pride. Our players get an opportunity to play in this historic game and they are going to be ready for it.

‘‘You listen to the Scottish and how much it means to them. It’s their biggest game of the year, their most important game, they are playing for trophies.

‘‘That’s a huge expectation for them and maybe, with 15 minutes to go in the game, the expectation is going to get pretty heavy for them.

‘‘We know Scotland’s going to be up for it, but so will we. It should be a great occasion.’’

England has signalled that a direct approach will be taken to winning the midfield battle and nullifying Racing 92 magician Finn Russell by picking Owen Farrell at first five inside centres Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade.

For the first time since the 2019 World Cup quarterfinal victory over Australia, George Ford has made way as chief conductor, having missed the start of the autumn because of an Achilles injury.

Matthieu Jalibert will start at first five and Arthur Vincent in the centre for France in the opening match of its Six Nations campaign, away to Italy.

Jalibert was backup to Romain Ntamack during last year’s tournament, where France finished second behind England on points difference.

But Ntamack is recovering from an operation for a double fracture of the jaw last month, and may miss this Six Nations.

That is because France has a fixed squad of 31 players amid a strict coronavirus protocol, meaning a new player can come in to replace only an injured one.

But coach Fabien Galthie has a very able backup for tomorrow’s match in Rome as Jalibert was outstanding when France, despite fielding almost an entire reserve side, lost the Autumn Nations Cup final only narrowly to England. — AAP