Scots have no monopoly on pride, warns Jones

Eddie Jones has warned Scotland they do not possess a “monopoly on pride” and questions whether they will collapse beneath their own expectations in tomorrow’s Calcutta Cup clash.

England launch their Guinness Six Nations title defence with the 139th instalment of the oldest rivalry in world rugby, which also celebrates the 150th anniversary of the first meeting in Edinburgh.

With poignancy swirling around the cross-border showdown at Twickenham, Jones has 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,” head coach 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 have 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 fly-half, inside centres Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade.

Courtney Lawes missed the entire autumn because of an ankle injury but he must settle for a replacement role with Jonny Hill preferred as Maro Itoje’s partner in the second row.