EDINBURGH, Feb 12 (Reuters) – Scotland centre Huw Jones says the squad are determined to channel their frustration from a disappointing Six Nations opener into Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash with England at Murrayfield.
Scotland were edged 18-15 by Italy in Rome last weekend, a result that left the players deflated. However, Jones believes a victory over England would quickly restore belief and momentum.
“After a loss when everyone’s hurting, especially in a game where we didn’t really get to express ourselves, there’s a lot of pent-up energy,” Jones told reporters. “Even if we’d won against Italy, I’d have felt frustrated personally because I didn’t impose myself on the game. That’s been driving me all week. There’s real motivation to show what we’re capable of, and this is the ideal fixture to respond in.”
The 32-year-old, who returned to the Scotland side after missing the November internationals through injury, said the defeat in Rome hit hard. “No one is hiding from it. As professionals, you have to park the disappointment quickly and get back to work, but you can use those emotions as fuel.”
Scotland have won five of their last eight Six Nations meetings with England, including the past two at Murrayfield. England, though, arrive in strong form after an emphatic victory over Wales.
“They’re on a good run and have huge strength in depth,” Jones said. “Their pack is powerful, but they also have dynamic athletes and skilful ball-players. It’s a serious challenge.”
