HOSTILITIES Eddie warns the Scots:
EDDIE JONES has warned Scotland that England will be “going after them” at Murrayfield on a Calcutta Cup revenge mission on Saturday. Not since 1984 has an England side headed north of the border having lost to the Scots the previous season – the oldest trophy in Test rugby is in Scotland’s possession after an 11-6 win at Twickenham last February.
And England coach Jones is promising his men will be on the warpath as they attempt to wrestle the Calcutta Cup back.
He said: “Everyone knows the history between the two countries and we know the history of the game of rugby.
“The Calcutta Cup is the oldest rugby trophy and we know every time Scotland play against England it is their biggest game of the tournament.
“But the big difference this year is we are going up there to get them.we are going after them and so they are going to have to be pretty good.
“A lot of it is about the mindset and the way you approach the game.you’ve got to start well, get into the game and go after them.”
That aggressive intent Jones is demanding is much in need after a wretched campaign last season saw England finish fifth.
But a promising autumn, topped off with a dramatic victory over world champions South Africa, indicates they are back on track. The fact that win came without captain Owen Farrell, who will be an absentee for the entire championship, should add belief to a new-look side but Murrayfield will be a stiff test. Jones said: “We know they are a good team.
“It is a sizeable challenge and you can put on top of that the extraordinary weather you can have up there. It was hurricanelike conditions last time and we had to battle hard.
“We responded nicely with a really good win so we know what it takes up there.”
The examination will not just come on the pitch and from the
heavens.the rivalry means England can expect a hot reception in Edinburgh.
The enmity went over the top four years ago, when Jones was abused by a group of drunken Scots on his way back south the day after the game, an unsavoury incident which resulted in a court case and fines for the perpetrators.
Hopefully there will be no repeat this time but with crowds back for this Six Nations, Murrayfield will be a hostile environment and an eye-opener for first-timers like Freddie Steward and Bevan Rodd.
“They’ll love it, mate.why wouldn’t they?” said Jones. “They get to play in the first game of the greatest championship. It’s for the Calcutta Cup. It means a lot.
“It’s important that they understand what it will be like and our more experienced players will share their experience with the younger guys.
“It’s going to be hostile but they’ve got me there and
I’m not very popular.
“I’m going to get plenty of abuse and I’m happy to take that.”