Scotland v England may be the grandfather fixture of international rugby, with today’s game in Murrayfield the 125th edition of the Calcutta Cup, but it is in danger of losing its lustre as a great rivalry.
England’s dominance in recent years – not least 12 months ago when they inflicted a 60-point drubbing on the Scots – has stripped away some of the magic.
But Eddie Jones has been full of praise for Scotland in the build-up – even comparing Gregor Townsend’s team to the All Blacks.
Meanwhile across the channel, a change of venue did little to boost the spirits of French rugby last night as Les Blues laboured to a 34-17 win over Italy at the Stade Velodrome in Marseilles and failed to secure a bonus point.
The early hope of second row Paul Gabrillagues’ score after five minutes was soon snuffed out when Italy levelled with a penalty try.
France squandered several openings and only pulled clear through full-back Hugo Bonneval’s score in the 60th minute. Mathieu Bastareaud also crossed but Italy had the last say through Matteo Minozzi’s late try.
Six Nations 2018 fixtures and TV schedule
(all times UK; home team first)
Round one
Saturday February 3, Wales 34 – Scotland 7
Saturday February 3, France 13 – Ireland 15
Sunday February 4, England 46 – Italy 15
Round two
Saturday February 10, Ireland 56 – Italy 15
Saturday February 10, England 12 – Wales 6
Sunday February 11, Scotland 32 – France 26
Round three
Friday February 23, France 34 – Italy 17
Saturday February 24, Ireland vs Wales (2.15pm; ITV)
Saturday February 24, Scotland vs England (4.45pm; BBC)
Round four
Saturday March 10, Ireland vs Scotland (2.15pm; ITV)
Saturday March 10, France vs England (4.45pm; BBC)
Sunday March 11, Wales vs Italy (3pm; BBC)
Round five (Super Saturday)
Saturday March 17, Italy vs Scotland (12.30pm; ITV)
Saturday March 17, England vs Ireland (2.45pm; ITV)
Saturday March 17, Wales vs France (5pm; BBC)