England to Field Uncapped Players

At 5p.m. on Saturday afternoon, the England rugby team will play Scotland at Murrayfield. The fixture, only the second of an embryonic Six Nations tournament, will be notable for the inclusion of three debutants in the former side, namely Brad Barritt, Phil Dowson, and the Saracens' Owen Farrell.

Dowson, who will bear the mantle of England's number eight in just over 24 hours time, plies his trade at the Northampton Saints. Those following the best betting should remember this.

Described as "hugely experienced as a leader", the 30-year-old worked alongside the national coach, Stuart Lancaster, in the England Saxons, back in 2005.

"He is a very good footballer", Lancaster said, of Dowson. "He has played lots of big games, and he is desperate to play for England. That is a big thing for me. He deserves his opportunity." Dowson is one of nine 'new' players in the England side; only six remain from the side's disastrous World Cup campaign.

Joining the former Falcon in Edinburgh is Brad Barritt, currently of the Saracens. Barritt, 25, will play at outside centre for England, with his Sarries teammate, Farrell, covering the inside. Lancaster, notably, is playing the two players slightly out of position; their roles are reversed at the Saracens.

Farrell, the final newcomer, is the son of England coach, Andy. The 20-year-old has been lauded for his ability with the oval ball in recent days but his lack of experience on the main stage could prove a problem for an England side that is already lacking in battle-worn stars.

Retired Scot, Andy Nicol, referred to England in 2012 as "the least experienced England side I can remember, and in many ways the least intimidating". Scotland have more than double the combined international caps of their opponents, with 501 to England's 236.

Lancaster's decision to drop more than half of England's World Cup squad could be seen as an effort to distance the side from the disaster that was the national team's most recent campaign in New Zealand. However, it is questionable how effective a unit that has never played together competitively will be at the Six Nations.