Oh! Calcutta! Stage is set for a transformed rivalry

The Battle of Bannockburn is remembered as the pivot point in the First War of Scottish Independence, an English infantry of greater masses and might sent decisively into retreat to lay the foundations for the eventual restoration of the Kingdom of Scotland.

- HARRY LATHAM-COYLE

Of late, the pair's rugby rivalry has experienced just as dramatic and decisive a swing. In more than a century of Calcutta Cup conflict, Scottish hands have never held on to the silver spoils for longer than the 1,477 consecutive days they will have had possession by the time they take to the Twickenham turf this afternoon.

Since Gregor Townsend’s appointment as head coach, Scotland have lost just once in seven meetings with their Auld Enemy; with fly-half Finn Russell on the pitch, as he will be this weekend after coming through return-to-play protocols, they are unbeaten in that time. From four wins in 30 years to four in four – even Robert the Bruce didn’t enjoy such sustained success.

“I’m not sure if there was a fear factor,” Townsend said this week. “But I think [Twickenham] was just a place that over history has been very tough for us. England are always a strong team. This group of players have had the experience of winning at Twickenham, which can help as you prepare for the game. But the reality is it’s about what happens in 80 minutes. And we know it’s going to be a very tough match.”

The circumstances of each encounter have varied but a few themes run through the Anglo-Scottish battles. Russell, Duhan van der Merwe and Huw Jones have regularly torn English back lines asunder, while a sometimes-maligned pack has managed to match whatever advantage England may have claimed to count on up front. In stark contrast to their wallowing in woe against Ireland, Townsend and his squad have managed to get their mentality spot on for these annual meetings – more accurate, more intense and much smarter than their opponents.