NZ-born prop oversteps on ‘hating English’
rivalry with England,’ said Berghan. ‘I sort of knew everyone hates England, basically because we did, but when I came over here it was made more obvious to me, and the reasons why, the history and that.
‘It will be brilliant to get one over on them next week. I certainly am aware of the rivalry there.’
Berghan, who later returned to the press conference to play down his ‘hate’ remarks, came through the Canterbury academy in New Zealand before making his Scotland debut in last year’s Six Nations, having qualified through his grandfather.
Scotland were thumped 61-21 by England at Twickenham last year and Berghan insists they are in a position to make amends for their humiliation.
‘We are in a better place this year, personally and as a squad,’ said Berghan. ‘We take it game by game and we did that with the French game, where we had points to prove, and wrongs to put right, and went out and did that. We have the same approach for England, where again we have wrongs to put right from last year, and we have the squad to do that. I expect the boys to play very well.’
Meanwhile, England No 8 Nathan Hughes insists he is ready for an immediate return to the firing line at Murrayfield.
The Wasps back row has not started a game since December because of a knee injury and was expected to miss the first three rounds of the Six Nations.
He has recovered ahead of schedule, making his club comeback last weekend, and is now set to step in for Sam Simmonds in the Calcutta Cup.
‘The medics said it would be 10 to 12 weeks and I came back in eight,’ said Hughes.‘I’m glad to be back in the squad and I’m working as hard as I can to put my hand up for selection next week.’
Simmonds was sent home this week with a shoulder injury.