21 February 2024 , 20:00
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England have only won once at Murrayfield since 2016 and Topsy Ojo believes a statement victory could be crucial in the development of Steve Borthwick's new side.
There is a demand to see England evolve post-World Cup with the head coach aiming to expand the team's game with a host of new faces. The current squad featured several uncapped players, some of whom have already begun making an impact in the opening two games of the Six Nations.
England have won both games thus far, but against the two opponents they were fancied to beat. Scotland have beaten their rivals for the past three years which has allowed them to keep their hands on the Calcutta Cup. The last English victory came in 2020 thanks to an Ellis Genge try at a rain-soaked Murrayfield.
Of the 15 that started that day only six are in the current squad with Borthwick poised to continue with the new breed of players he's bought into the fold. Broadcaster Ojo told Mirror Sport : "All the teams have had their two games. Now we're into it, if you're going to push on this is a brilliant test at Murrayfield.
"Build this new style, against an opposition who lost in dramatic fashion and will be hurting. There will be no better response for Scotland than to beat England.
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"But what an occasion for England to win, talk about experiences for players, not many have won at Murrayfield."
Baby steps for Borthwick
The Round One win over Italy wasn't entirely convincing with the success over Wales a fortnight ago by no means striking fear into opponents. England are looking to evolve their attack but they have a long way to go to match the likes of Ireland, who set the standard in the Northern Hemisphere.
Ojo believes the win at Twickenham was another step in the right direction, albeit a small one, with England still lacking the necessary composure when they get into the red zone.
He said: "I'd say we saw a tiny step forward (again Wales), I think circumstances (having a man in the sin bin) dictated the plan needed to change. I think this is going to be incremental steps for England - some weeks we'll see big changes, others you've just got to win the game.
New man Fraser Dingwall scored the crucial try against Wales"You can see tweaks in what they're trying to do. Their counter attack there is more ambition to play and move the ball to space. They are really good at getting momentum, but then in the 22 they either panic or don't keep the patience."
England's defence was twice breached by the Welsh last time out, albeit one of those was a driving maul that resulted in a penalty try. New coach Felix Jones has been quick to implement his blitz defence that helped South Africa claim World Cup glory, albeit England are yet to perfect it in the same way.
Up against Scotland fly-half Finn Russell England know their defence will be tested, but Ojo maintains they will stick to their guns. "They'll back it, you almost can't not," he said.
"I can't see them doing it any other way as this is Felix Jones' style and its hear to stay. The quest for perfection comes down to personal decisions in the moment. England will blitz and blitz, but in moments they will need to hold off, which is the balance. Scotland will do their homework and think they have the keys, Finn Russell in particular.
Striking the balance
England have only won two of their five Six Nations games in the last two championships. That remains a possibility once again with Borthwick's side travelling to Scotland, hosting Ireland then playing France in Paris before the tournament comes to an end.
England are attempting to bring in new faces alongside their experienced prosEngland have attempted to bring in the likes of Ethan Roots, Fraser Dingwall, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Chander Cunningham-South - all of whom have featured thus far. Borthwick is looking to transition his team following several major retirements after the World Cup.
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Ojo said: "That's the balance. In terms of any committee Borthwick speaks to about his plan, they will buy in. It is a new chapter for England, the World Cup was brilliant, we want to see a new chapter but we also want to see results. We want to see the balance. There is always pressure on results, you speak to any coach. When you're trying to blood through a new generation you are probably afforded more time."
England will be without scrum-half Alex Mitchell for the game in Edinburgh. Danny Care is favourite to start but the relatively inexperienced Ben Spencer is set to play some part. England have stuck with the same XV for their two games thus far but changes are expected this weekend.