Scotland will be aiming to maintain their recent dominance in Calcutta Cup clashes when they host England at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Scotland v England
Six Nations
Saturday 5 February
Murrayfield
18:45
To Win Match
Scotland 13/10 | Draw 20/1 | England 13/20
Handicap
Scotland (+2.5) 9/10 | England (-2.5) 9/10
The hosts have won three of their last four meetings with England in the Six Nations, beating the Roses 11-6 in a memorable encounter at Twickenham last year. Much has been made of Gregor Townsend’s Scotland, and there seems to be a real conviction amongst them that has been lacking from the national team in bygone years.
Last season, Scotland won in both Paris and Twickenham for the first time since 1926. They’ll look to build on that by claiming a positive result against a new-look England team missing a few key men.
This will be England’s first Six Nations game without Owen Farrell since Eddie Jones took over in 2016, with the Saracens man ruled out of the whole tournament. Couple that with the fact British & Irish Lions Courtney Lawes and Jonny Hill are out of this one and there may be some real chinks in the armour.
Jones’ men were solid if unspectacular during the November internationals, and could be caught napping if their new combinations don’t gel from the get-go against a settled Scotland lineup.
Verdict: Scotland 13/10
There’s a feeling that Scotland are building toward something special at the moment under the stewardship of Townsend. Back them to get over the line against England and open their 2022 Six Nations campaign with a win.
Alternatively, take the +2.5 handicap that’s on offer if you’re looking for a bit more security. Either way, this is good value.
