- Former England full-back Mike Brown analyzes England’s trip to Edinburgh
- The first quarter will be crucial in the bid to deny Scotland the Calcutta Cup
- The key to winning is the Felix Jones blitz defense that shuts down Russell and co
I spoke to my Leicester teammate Handre Pollard, who has won the last two World Cups with South Africa, about the Felix Jones-inspired blitz defense now used by England.
Jones was a key part of the Springbok line-up that claimed global glory in 2019 and 2023.
Although he runs the attack with them, the South African defense he is trying to implement is clearly working. Handre told me that a blitz defense is difficult to master and that it took South Africa time to do so. But when they did, it turned out to be a great weapon for them.
The same could be true for England if they stick to it and Jones can continue to convince the players to use this style of defending.
England have lost their last three Six Nations matches to Scotland, so Steve Borthwick’s side will have to change the course of recent history to turn three wins into three in 2024.
The Felix Jones-inspired blitz defense now used by England will be crucial in Scotland
The England Jones blitz defense must eliminate Finn Russell and co, otherwise there will be big problems
The key to victory in Edinburgh on Saturday will be the Jones blitz defense that Finn Russell and Co. turns off. If it doesn’t work, England could be in big trouble.
Borthwick has picked the same team for the wins over Italy and Wales and he must keep his faith in Scotland. I was shocked to read that the first two games of this Six Nations marked the first time the same England squad had been named for consecutive games since 2019.
Consistency in the squad can be England’s friend, especially when the team is trying to implement a new defensive structure and attacking plan with new players and combinations.
England’s players come from ten different Premier League teams who all play in different ways, so it takes a while to get everyone on the same page when they join the camp. Scotland play a brilliant brand of attacking rugby.
Russell runs things from number 10. His passing game is fantastic and they have dangerous X Factor players out wide.
If England’s blitz defense isn’t aligned – and by that I mean they don’t press as a collective and with tremendous line speed – then Russell will find holes to exploit.
They must use their high line speed to push Scotland’s attack back into areas where England’s attackers can gain turnovers on the breakdown. England need to take away Russell’s time on the ball.
Their tacklers have to be extremely physical and hold back the Scottish runners. If they don’t, Scotland will have the momentum that allows Russell to play out wide.
As an England player, going to Murrayfield is a real pain in the ass. The Scottish fans will always be excited for this match, but even more so this time after the controversial defeat to France.
Fraser Dingwall should stay in midfield because he is a ‘glue player’ who does his job very well
After three Six Nations defeats in a row against Scotland, Steve Borthwick’s side face a challenge
I would keep Fraser Dingwall and Henry Slade in midfield even if Manu Tuilagi is fit. Dingwall is a ‘glue player’. He does his job excellently, makes no mistakes and gets the best out of the people around him.
The first quarter will be crucial. If England can shut down Scotland and their defensive fires, they have every chance. Otherwise it can be a long day at the office.