"The Six Nations is a cruel mistress. Two days before the tournament started for Scotland, Gregor Townsend said this was the strongest playing group of his tenure. Two days later, one bad half of rugby, some abysmal weather and he is facing calls for his head. If you take your eye off the ball in this competition for half an hour on the field your campaign can be over for another 12 months."
"England will know that heading to Murrayfield. They only need to reflect on their last visit to Edinburgh. They began with a bang but Scotland seized momentum and England just couldn't get it back, whatever they tried. Make no mistake, however, Steve Borthwick's side know what is at stake on Saturday. Pull off a first victory in Edinburgh for six years and there will be conversations about going all the way."
"They will not be public conversations, but I've been in squads and camps before and when the opportunity for silverware is genuine, you cannot help but discuss it. The key is to make sure it does not become a burden because, with the weight of history, there is enough pressure on the match as it is. It is easier to cope with, though, when on the kind of winning run that England arrive on."
The Six Nations punishes brief lapses; Scotland's strong squad faced sharp criticism after one poor half and adverse weather. A single 30-minute collapse can end a campaign for a year. England arrive at Murrayfield conscious of past defeats and the need to seize momentum early. A first win in Edinburgh in six years would ignite private belief in title potential within the squad, but that belief must not become an added burden. England's recent winning run helps buy into process and impose their game in hostile environments. Borthwick expects focus from arrival and the selected team offers no surprises.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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