Eddie Jones insists England will be ready for any provocation in Saturday’s Six Nations clash at Murrayfield after branding Scotland “niggly”.
Jones recalls an incident before the game two years ago when Scotland No.8 Ryan Wilson shoved George Ford in the tunnel, prompting Owen Farrell to rush to the defence of his teammate.
That day ended in a 25-13 defeat that exposed glaring breakdown deficiencies and launched a five-Test losing run that placed Jones’ future in doubt.
In the first visit to Edinburgh since, Jones is primed for more provocation as England look to revive their title aspirations after losing 24-17 to France in Paris.
“Scotland are a niggly side. Our historical record against Scotland is interesting – over 80 per cent wins in England but only 50 per cent at Murrayfield,” Jones said.
Asked for an example of “niggly” conduct, Jones replied: “The dressing room scene two years ago when they tried to goad a couple of our players. And they were successful.
“Historically they’ve done that through the ages. That’s the way they stay in the game and they’re good at it.
“It is more than a rugby game for Scotland maybe and you can lose your attention and your attention in these sorts of game is everything.
“The Murrayfield environment helps them but you’ve got to be good enough to stay focused, be on task, do what you need to do.
“Composure is always important in rugby, but probably more so at Murrayfield.”
England will travel north without Manu Tuilagi after the Leicester centre was ruled out by a groin injury, but he is expected to return in time to face Ireland two weeks later.
Tuilagi’s absence robs England of their most powerful player behind the scrum and his exit from the field against France resulted in a lack of firepower with Billy and Mako Vunipola already missing.
Jonathan Joseph came on as his replacement at the Stade de France and is competing with Ollie Devoto to deputise at outside centre.