IT'S PICK UP TIME

PIETER DE VILLIERS insists Scotland have to shut out all the outside noise around the team and focus solely on trying to beat England.

- GRAEME MACPHERSON

PIETER DE VILLIERS insists Scotland have to shut out all the outside noise around the team and focus solely on trying to beat England.

The calls for Gregor Townsend to go have grown louder following the weekend defeat to Italy.

It's a result that all but ends any slim chance Scotland had of competing for this year's Six Nations title. And it heaps extra pressure on the squad ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield.

England have already named their team as they head north looking for a 13th Test win in a row.

De Villiers says he recognises that supporters are unhappy - but believes the only way out of it is by getting back to winning ways.

The scrum coach said: “The vibe is we're excited to go into a very important game. This game coming up ignites a lot of passion in Scotland and I'm sure in England as well, So we are very excited.