Watson starts in solitary Scotland change for showdown with England

Hamish Watson has been recalled to Scotland’s starting line-up as the only change for Saturday’s much-anticipated clash with England at Twickenham.

Edinburgh flanker Watson started the first two rounds of the championship, but was demoted to the bench for the victory over Wales last time out.

However, he was called upon early in that match after John Hardie suffered a knee injury and will continue in the absence of his club team-mate this weekend.

Another Edinburgh back-row forward, Cornell du Preez, could make his debut as a replacement after taking Watson’s place on the bench.

TEAM | Cotter names one change (Hamish Watson starts) to face England at Twickenham this Saturday in @SixNationsRugby. Full story to follow. pic.twitter.com/bwyFSIsmIS

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 9, 2017

Scotland have impressed in this year’s Six Nations and a win over reigning champions England, who are seeking a record-equalling 18th victory in succession, would see Vern Cotter’s side claim their first Triple Crown since 1990.

“We’re confident we can play better as a team,” said Cotter. “That’s our next challenge, to step that up.

“The challenge is for us to combine the best parts of our performances so far in this campaign in to one excellent performance at Twickenham this Saturday.

“We’ll need that to put us in a position to win this game and will enjoy the challenge of doing that against an England team that hasn’t lost in a while.”

Scotland: Stuart Hogg, Tommy Seymour, Huw Jones, Alex Dunbar, Tim Visser, Finn Russell, Ali Price; Gordon Reid, Fraser Brown, Zander Fagerson, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray, John Barclay (captain), Hamish Watson, Ryan Wilson.

Replacements: Ross Ford, Allan Dell, Simon Berghan, Tim Swinson, Cornell du Preez, Henry Pyrgos, Duncan Weir, Mark Bennett.