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Scotland keen to express themselves at Twickenham - Cotter

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter

Vern Cotter has indicated Scotland will seek to be expansive in attack when they aim to end England’s winning streak and secure a first Six Nations Triple Crown in 27 years on Saturday.

Scotland head to Twickenham in fine form, having recorded impressive victories over Ireland and Wales either side of a narrow defeat to France.

However, Cotter’s men can expect to face their sternest test of the championship to date at Twickenham, against an England team seeking a record-equalling 18th successive Test win as well as another Grand Slam.

Although Cotter acknowledged the need for Scotland to “defend resolutely” this weekend, he indicated there would be no shortage of ambition with ball in hand.

“The players are keen when they get their hands on the ball to express themselves at Twickenham,” Scotland’s coach was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

“I think that’s a good attitude to have and attitude will determine a big part of the game.”

England have finished games strongly throughout this year’s Six Nations and will hope Billy Vunipola can make a significant impact off the bench against Scotland on his return from a knee injury.

“I think they’ll comfortably move through the gears as the game goes on and finish in top speed and we’ve got to stay with them,” Cotter added.

“We know more or less what’s coming and it’s just a matter of withstanding that.”

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SK 2 hours ago
Jean de Villiers: ‘Next year will be the acid test for this group’

It seems to me that a core of players will make it to 2027 if they stay fit. Siya, PSD and Eben are all part of that core. The question is who else? De Allende may not make it which is why Rassie has started playing Am at 12 and has Moodie as his back up at 13. Also Esterhuizen is an established 12 already in the mix. Even Pollard has played 12 so Rassie keeping all his options open. Willemse can play 12 but his defence is sometimes lacking. Mgomezulu can also play there and he is a good physical player who makes his tackles. De Allende though is so hard to replace. He tackles, he turns over, runs over players and he distributes. Rassie is making plans for all positions in a similar way. At tighthead and loosehead we have seen the Bok depth this year with injuries to multiple players and yet the scrum stood strong and dominated. At hooker he has used 4 or 5 different players. Bongi will not likely make 2027 but the young guys are coming through. Willie has been tapped as a future coach and right now is a player coach. His swansong will come next year but Fassi is now a solid option at 15 to complement Damian and challenge him. At wing there is endless depth right now. In the loose forwards there are already some established options for 2027 and Louw has now stepped up with Hanekom coming through. At lock injuries to multiple players saw Nortje step up and Moerat is now an established player. Ruan Venter also a good back up and some good youngsters coming through at the Bulls. Springboks finding solutions but question is will this squad be experienced enough come 2027. Lots of change still to come and lots of learnings still to be had for many of these young players.

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