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 head coach Gregor Townsend. Now they face an England side fresh off a 48-7 demolition of Wales and riding a 12-match winning streak.

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For Jones, that is exactly the point.

“England are obviously a brilliant team, so it’s a tough prospect,” said the British and 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.

“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.”

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.

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“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.”

– AFP

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