Robinson warns of Scots passion play

ENGLAND boss Andy Robinson has warned his players they will face a Scotland side fuelled by a raw “hatred” of their oldest foes in this evening’s Calcutta Cup clash at Twickenham.

Such acute rivalry is a rare emotion although often reserved for teams playing against England and Robinson is aware of the affect it can have, even in the modern age of professionalism 134 years after the two sides met in the first rugby international.

"You are always wary of Scotland because of the passion they have and the hatred of England. All sides have that but Scotland even more. Passion gives you that extra edge," said Robinson.

"I have played in one England-Scotland game here in 1989. We drew 12-12 and it was the last time they got close (at Twickenham). This team have nothing to lose. I think they are a quality side with the side they have picked. Scotland will be coming to really attack us, we're going to attack Scotland, I think it's going to be an outstanding game of rugby."

England's preparations were hit by a bug which swept through the squad during the week, but the full squad trained at Twickenham yesterday and Robinson is confident everyone will be fit.

"We have had a little bit of sickness and diarrhoea but everyone should be alright," Robinson said.

Scotland prop Tom Smith admits that it will take a bit more than emotional nationalism to defeat the Auld Enemy on their home patch for the first time since 1983.

"Obviously there is an added edge to the game against England but after a pretty bad performance against Wales and a pretty mediocre championship, we want to end up on a high.

"Twickenham is full of Englishmen and they don't really like us very much but apart from that it's the same as anywhere else."

ENGLAND: I Balshaw; M Cueto, J Noon, O Barkley, J Lewsey; C Hodgson, H Ellis; G Rowntree, S Thompson, M Stevens ; D Grewcock, B Kay; J Worsley, L Moody, M Corry.

Replacements: A Titterrell, D Bell, S Borthwick, A Hazell, M Dawson, A Goode , O Smith.

SCOTLAND: C Paterson; R Lamont, A Craig, H Southwell, S Lamont, G Ross, M Blair; T Smith, G Bulloch, G Kerr, N Hines, S Murray, J White, S Taylor, A Hogg.

Replacements: R Russell, B Douglas, S Grimes, J Petrie, G Beveridge, D Parks, A Henderson.