The Peninsula Times - Jones says England clash 'perfect game' for faltering Scotland

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Jones says England clash 'perfect game' for faltering Scotland
Jones says England clash 'perfect game' for faltering Scotland / Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN - AFP/File

Jones says England clash 'perfect game' for faltering Scotland

Huw Jones believes a Calcutta Cup clash at home to England is the "perfect game" for a Scotland side looking to bounce back from defeat in their Six Nations opener by Italy.

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The centre was a member of a Scotland back-line that failed to fire during a dispiriting 18-15 loss to Italy in Rome that piled the pressure on coach Gregor Townsend.

England will arrive in Edinburgh for Saturday's second-round match following a 48-7 thrashing of Wales at Twickenham -- their 12th straight win.

"England are obviously a brilliant team, so it's a tough prospect," said British and Irish Lions midfielder Jones.

"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 encounters with England at Murrayfield, including the last two.

"They're a different team, we're a different team," insisted the 32-year-old Jones.

"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."

(F.Skosana--TPT)