Eddie scoffs that Scots never win at Twickenham

EDDIE JONES has lit the fuse for an explosive Calcutta Cup showdown by poking fun at Scotland’s terrible record at Twickenham. England’s head coach, asked to assess the benefit of home advantage, given that the Scots haven’t won there since 1983, quipped: ‘1883? Oh, 1983! OK...’ Jones, in mischievous mood before today’s Six Nations finale, where his side will win the title if they beat Scotland and Ireland win in Wales, declared his squad know what is coming and they can trump it. ‘There’s no secret. We’re not playing Mars or Pluto, we’re playing Scotland. ‘They’ve got passion and play the game a certain way. We’ve got passion about playing for England. It’ll be about which side comes out with most

intensity and desire and that’ll be us.’ Scotland captain Stuart McInally refused to bite after Jones’s jibe. ‘It’s Scotland v England with the rivalry that has always been there,’ he said. ‘It is going to be an intense game and it will be about whoever plays the best rugby on the day. We take confidence from knowing we beat them last year at Murrayfield but we’re under no illusions about how hard it will be.’ Jones warned Scotland to expect an ‘explosion’ from England today, as he is convinced that they are ready to produce an attacking masterclass to finish in style. ‘If we can create momentum around the ruck, I’d hate to be one of those Scottish backs,’ added Jones. ‘We’ve got an opportunity to show that we’re the best team in the Six Nations and approaching the best team in the world, and we’re not going to miss that opportunity.’ England scrum-half Ben Youngs said: ‘Whenever you play Scotland, as much as it is bred in them, it is bred in us. It is a huge fixture.’