Scotland v England Preview
Rugby : Six Nations 2012
Saturday, 4th Feb 2012 - Kickoff 17:00 (GMT)

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What better way for England and Scotland to open their Six Nations campaigns than with the 119th Calcutta Cup match? The old rivals meet at Murrayfield on Saturday with the home side desperate to avenge their narrow defeat at last year’s World Cup.

So, can Scotland win the Cup for the first time since 2008 or can a new look England get their 2012 off to a flyer?

Scotland looking to beat ‘arrogant’ England

The two old rivals met as recently as last October when England ended Scotland’s proud record of qualifying for every World Cup quarter final. It was a tough match in Auckland with England eventually prevailing 16-12 thanks to a 78th minute Chris Ashton try.

A war of words has already begun between the sides with Scotland coach Andy Robinson commenting that England had shown ‘arrogance’ during their World Cup encounter. The Daily Telegraph reports that ‘Robinson and his players were upset by England’s behaviour during and after the game, with the Scotland head coach admitting he cited Delon Armitage for a dangerous tackle in the game as a result.’

Scotland have been gradually improving over recent years although it is worth remembering that they have only beaten England three times since 1992 - but all those wins have come at Murrayfield.

A new look England looking to improve

England ended Scotland's World Cup campaign in New Zealand during the summer.

Interim coach Stuart Lancaster wasted no time in stamping his mark on the squad by naming nine uncapped players in his elite 32 man Six Nations pool.

As well as the retirements of Jonny Wilkinson, Steve Thompson and captain Lewis Moody, Lancaster also discarded a host of experienced players including Mike Tindall, Mark Cueto, Riki Flutey and Nick Easter.

Lancaster has included the likes of Scarlets number eight Ben Morgan, Saracens back Owen Farrell and Wasps hooker Rob Webber in his squad and the coach clearly is hoping to develop some of the younger players into a team that can compete for the next World Cup in 2015.

In the short-term England also have to deal with injuries to influential players such as Toby Flood, Manu Tuilagi and Tom Wood and so it is likely to be a very new look side that starts Saturday’s match.

Verdict

This is a tough match to call. England have held the upper hand over their rivals for most of the last two decades and are slight favourites to kick off their Six Nations campaign with a win.

However, it will be a tough job for Stuart Lancaster to incorporate so many ‘new’ players in such a short time and to stamp his style of play on the side. It may well take some time for the team to gel and for the coach to establish a settled XV.

A settled side is exactly what Scotland have and their gradual improvement took them within a few minutes of a win over England in New Zealand last autumn.

You can back Scotland with a 3 point start at 10/11 and considering that it is a transitional period for England, Andy Robinson’s side can run their rivals close.

The Pick :

Scotland with a 3 point start

HANDICAP BETTING :

Back Scotland with a 3 point start at 10/11 at Paddy Power