England star Smith desperate to end Scotland hoodoo as he outlines personal role
Marcus Smith has underlined his determination to end England's poor recent record against Scotland and regain the Calcutta Cup.
The Scots have beaten England in their last three Six Nations outings - two of those coming at Twickenham. Last year they secured a memorable 29-23 win over the Red Rose in Steve Borthwick's first game as head coach. Smith had scored a try at Murrayfield 12 months earlier, only to see England lose late on.
A trip to Edinburgh is one of three away days England will have to face during the Six Nations. Smith is still relatively new to the tournament but is anticipating a return to Murrayfield with the Calcutta Cup firmly in his sights.
The Harlequins fly-half said: "I think they all are (big games), from my limited experience playing in the Six Nations whenever you go away from home as an English player it is always hostile, always a big occasion.
"I've been lucky to play at Murrayfield under the lights, it's soaking wet, the fans are on your back and it is tough to get a result. That's one I'm looking forward to this year. They're obviously going well, got some brilliant players but we want to win the Calcutta Cup again.
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"Obviously I think that's the third week, hopefully we get some good results in the lead up to that. It is never nice to lose against anyone - and when there's a trophy on the line it is always nice to lift it at the end so that will definitely be a driving factor for me."
Smith will be looking to nail down the no.10 shirt in the absence of Owen Farrell but faces stern competition from George Ford. The Sale Sharks fly-half wore the shirt numerous times at the World Cup, producing a stunning display in the opening game against Argentina.
Marcus Smith scored for England on their last visit to Murrayfield (David Rogers/Getty Images)As a result, Smith played at full-back as Borthwick attempted to get all of his most creative players in the starting XV. The England coach is looking to further evolve his side and their philosophy with Smith underlining his role in that - albeit his position is yet to be confirmed.
"I think for me it is all about scoring points and tries. In order to win games you've got to have the ability to do both," he said. "I think having options across the field, having an all-court game as a fly-half is helpful.
"You see the talent we have out wide, some ridiculous speedsters and some very physical players as well, as a 10 all you've got to do is feed them, give them the ball in space. I think it is just layering all that stuff on the back of the foundations Steve and the coaches have laid."
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