Calcutta Cup a sideshow in Six Nations as England play Scotland

Although England are odds-on with Coral at 1/16 to beat Scotland, following their loss to Ireland last time out, it is not the main event in the latest round of the Six Nations.

However, should Wales beat the Irish in their match, the tournament is still wide open. The history of results in the Calcutta Cup stands at 68 to 39 in England’s favour, with 14 draws. Scotland have yet to record a point in this year’s Six Nations, which explains their odds of 9/1 and perhaps why they have made five changes for the trip to Twickenham.

England, meanwhile, must bounce back after the defeat to Joe Schmidt’s side and full back Mike Brown, 7/4 to cross anytime, admitted that he hurt more than most. Brown was sidelined with concussion when Robbie Henshaw ran in Ireland’s second try.

Stuart Lancaster has recalled the player to his side, and, as a result he is determined to make amends.

“It’s been good to be back out there training. It’s not nice to be sitting on the sideline, watching the boys put in the hard graft,” he said.

“We want to finish strongly, we think we let ourselves down in the performance against Ireland so we want to put that right.

“There’s no better opponent than Scotland to put it right, there’s a lot of rivalry between the two teams for the Calcutta Cup, so it will be brilliant.”

Jonathan Joseph, who has been a revelation for England this season with three tries is 7/1 to breach the in-goal area first, while Anthony Watson who scored against Wales is 8/1 in the same market.

George Ford could again be key for Lancaster’s side, and has showed maturity at such a young age that he can be England’s number one fly half for years to come, if he keeps developing the way he is doing.