England are going for an unprecented third consecutive Six Nations title and a second Grand Slam since Eddie Jones took over in the wake of the 2015 Rugby World Cup debacle.
They have already thrashed Italy and ground out a win against Wales to suggest they are worthy favourites to do so – but a revitalised Scotland side stand in their way.
Gregor Townsend picked his side up off the ground after being thrashed by Wales 34-7 in the opening game to beat France in an impressively composed manner at Murrayfield two weeks ago.
This time around, they have a 61-21 mauling at Twickenham to avenge from last year as well as the small matter of a decade without a win over England.
Scotland 15 – England 6 LIVE
TRY SCOTLAND! (Maitland 31′)
Wow! Russell throws an enormous pass that looks wayward but hits Huw Jones in stride and he breaks 60 metres before being dragged down on the edge of the 22.
Scotland recycle quickly and throw the ball across the pitch to find Maitland who finishes well. Laidlaw misses the conversion but Scotland have a nine-point lead.
25 MINS
Brilliant from Scotland, who counter from their own 22 through Russell, who finds Jones with a fine miss pass. The chip forward is a good one and while Watson does well under pressure, Scotland ruck furiously and win the scrum.
England do NOT dominate the scrum either, as they were expected to, and have a fine attacking position. Must get points from these.
PENALTY ENGLAND (Farrell 18′)
Oh that is dull from Scotland, Gilchrist penalised off the restart and Farrell obliges.
TRY SCOTLAND! (Jones 16′)
It’s all a bit scrappy off a maul on the edge of a the 22 but Russell’s chip is hacked on by Huw Jones who collects it himself, capitalising on the chaos to score!
Neil Squires says:
“Scotland’s first try at Murrayfield against England since Simon Danielli crossed way back in 2004. Huw Jones scores it after a quickfire lineout and meaty drive from the pack plus a little Finn Russell vision. Scotland refusing to allow unsettled England to settle.”
PENALTY ENGLAND (Farrell 14′)
Just the 31 metres for Farrell’s first effort of the day and he slots it away without much fanfare. Back at level.
10 MINS
A pretty frenetic start as Scotland try to play at pace. Finn Russell is under a lot of pressure today and looks self-assure so far, finding some decent space with the boot.
However, the first time England get the ball wide and into the hands of May, they force a very kickable penalty with Hamish Watson the offender…
PENALTY SCOTLAND (Laidlaw 3′)
First blood Scotland as Peter Horne hits a pocket of space around halfway. The English concede a penalty 40 metres out and Laidlaw slots to give the home side the lead.
4.45pm: The second verse of “Flower of Scotland”, sung a capella as always at Murrayfield, is spine-tingling. This is going to be special, I fancy. Kick-off coming up…
4.40pm: Some interesting news from the pre-match as well – Scotland captain John Barclay had to pull away some of his team-mates, Owen Farrell was also pulled away after a confrontation between the two sides. Tasty.
4.35pm: Daily Express rugby correspondent Neil Squires has noticed something in pre-match
“Nathan Hughes back for England ahead of schedule but wearing a serious amount of strapping on his left leg in the warm-up at Murrayfield.”
4.30pm: What do the experts think of today’s showdown?
Martin Johnson
Scotland will want to play, that might play into England’s hands, but if they get it right that is Scotland’s best chance. It is intriguing.
Jeremy Guscott
The conditions are ideal, it is a nice fast surface and it is build for a wonderful game.
4.15pm: It is cold and clear, a classic Edinburgh February day, although Scotland might like some more rain in the air.
That said, this is a new breed of Scottish rugby with a lot more running and freedom. How will that go for them today? Will they be able to pull of a shock and upset the Grand Slam apple cart? Time only will tell. 30 minutes until kick-off.