Centre Huw Jones says Saturday’s Six Nations clash at home to England is the perfect time to respond after a shock loss to Italy.
Scotland slumped to a frustrating 18-15 defeat to the Azzurri in their tournament opener – a result that ramped up the scrutiny on coach Gregor Townsend. Now they face an England side fresh off a 48-7 demolition of Wales and riding a 12-match winning streak.
For Jones, that is exactly the point.
“England are obviously a brilliant team, so it’s a tough prospect,” said the British & Irish Lions centre.
“But I think this is probably the perfect game and opposition for us. You don’t need any more motivation, especially after a loss when everyone’s hurting.
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“We didn’t really get to play on the weekend [due to torrential rain], so I think we all have that pent-up frustration and energy from a really frustrating game …
“I think this week that adds to the fuel of just wanting to go out and show what we can do.”
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Scotland have won three of their last four Calcutta Cup clashes at Murrayfield, including the last two, but Jones is wary of leaning too heavily on past results.
“They’re a different team, we’re a different team,” insisted the 32-year-old. “I don’t think it’s ever that helpful to look back and be like, ‘We beat them a couple of years ago’.
“Knowing we beat England, I think that’s always a good thing, but it’s a different week, it’s a different game.”
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– AFP
Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
