Beckett warns Scotland will be fired up for revenge on home turf

The last time Sarah Beckett played against Scotland in the Six Nations, she bulldozed her way over the tryline within three minutes at Twickenham. A further 11 scores ensued as England strolled to an 80-0 win and their ninth Grand Slam. Will it be another fairy-tale result at Scotstoun tomorrow?

“No, I don’t think so,” the backrower said. “They’re on home turf and are going to be fired up. They’re a vastly improved side and have a lot of brilliant individuals, who we are familiar with because they play in the Tyrrells Premier 15s.”

Beckett will reacquaint herself in Glasgow with her Scottish teammates at Harlequins, Jade Konkel and Chloe Rollie, the latter with whom she shares a house.

“Chloe and I have sent each other texts this week about how prep has gone, without giving too much away, obviously, because it’s a competition,” Beckett said. “I don’t struggle with facing clubmates, but as soon as the final whistle goes I’ll give them both a hug.”

Relations are not likely to be more amicable than that. Buoyed by home advantage and a new coach in Philip Doyle, Scotland’s competitive ability is more palpable than last year, but Beckett is a microcosm of the Red Roses’ expected dominance. Having been involved in every game of England’s Grand Slam in her maiden Six Nations last year, the 20-year-old’s winning track record in the championship eclipses that of the entire Scotland team during the past 10 seasons.

Since snapping up a full-time contract at just 19, Beckett has become a mainstay in Simon Middleton’s side.

At the core of her development is her relationship with her older brother Charlie, a front-rower at Jersey and a previous England Under-20 player. “If I want a second opinion, or advice on anything, he’s my go-to,” Beckett said. “He lives by the same values as me and he’s a really great role model to look up to.”

She admits her side’s opening performance against France, in a game they won 19-13, was far from perfect and it is why Middleton has recalled a ferocious starting front row in Vickii Cornborough, Lark Davies and Sarah Bern.

The trio are expected to provide a springboard for Zoe Harrison, who, having been intermittently deployed at fly-half over the past 12 months, will take over the kicking again from Katy Daley-mclean.

“Scotland have a lot of quality,” Middleton said. “We know they will present a physical test and it’s vital we match them in every department.”