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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Scotland wary of a rampant England

Scotland have announced they are going to target Chris Ashton when they play England in the Calcutta Cup, but they could be punished by others if they focus all their attentions on one man.

The two teams could not have had contrasting fortunes in the Six Nations so far, as Scotland are staring at the prospect of the derided 'wooden spoon' after their three losses, while they travel to Twickenham to face an unbeaten England side gunning for the Grand Slam.

Scotland have not won at the home of English rugby since 1983 and not many fans will fancy their chances of ending that run as England have looked impressive in the Six Nations.

Ashton has taken most of the headlines so far for England with his six tries, but across the park Martin Johnson's side have looked dangerous and capable of racking up points and anyone looking to bet on Six Nations action should remember this.

Toby Flood looks to have come of age and even if he does not play due to injury England can call on the one-and-only Johnny Wilkinson. Along with Ashton, the duo of Ben Foden and Mark Cueto are both able to punish the Scotland defence if they focus too much of their attention on Ashton and Ashton only.

Scotland's defence coach Graham Steadman has the unenviable job of preparing the visitors for the challenge at Twickenham and even he accepts just how good England have looked this Six Nations – and how they are capable of destroying a team.

"They're playing with a lot of confidence. They've got strike players right across the park," he said.

England man Ben Youngs reckons Johnson's side should not underestimate the challenge Scotland will pose for them at Twickenham despite what the Six Nations 2011 betting might suggest.

The extra rivalry between the two sides will ensure there is some added spice to the game and another win for England will see them go into their final clash with Ireland supremely confident that they can win the Grand Slam.

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