NO SURPRISES then in the XV which BVC has named for Saturday's trip to Twickenham. The coach has not panicked after the failure against Italy, but, the one or two who have survived with their jaikets oan a shoogly nail, will know - big performances are expected.
The loss of Alex Dunbar to that training-induced cruciate injury was a blow, but, at least we had an in-form Matt Scott ready to come in. Dougie Fife, dropped after his wee bit of petulance in Paris will know, he owes Scotland big time and his greater match sharpness probably won him the 14 jersey ahead of Sean Maitland, once Sean Lamont was crocked.
The return of Finn Russell to the 10 shirt was a given, while Jim Hamilton and Dave Denton were always odds-on to come into the pack. Nothing against Tim Swinson, who is as honest as the day is long, but, I would love to have seen Ben Toulis getting another run off the bench in the final quarter. Like a lot of Aussie-raised locks, he offers athleticism at the touch lines which isn't often seen from Scots-born and bred locks.
I remain convinced, Chris Cusiter is our best scrum-half, but, perhaps BVC is loath to drop his captain, although, Chris could do that job too. SHC is, of-course, the future, and as such, he will be cover for the skipper.
England will, of course, start as overwhelming favourites, but, they are not as-good as their media cheer leaders think them to be; we are overdue a wee spot of luck on Billy Williams's Cabbage Patch - let's hope we get it this year.
I wish I was confident enough to risk a wee wager on Scotland, the odds on offer are terrific!!
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