Six Nations 2014: Scots bank on Stuart Lancaster’s men getting bogged down in ‘Muddyfield’
Scotland defence coach Matt Taylor claims the dreadful Murrayfield pitch will bring England down to his side’s level tomorrow.
The turf is infested with parasites that have destroyed the roots but will stage a match England cannot afford to lose after their 26-24 defeat to France in Paris.
“If it rains tomorrow the pitch may get worse and all we can do is get on with it,” said Taylor. “It might level things out because it makes running rugby more difficult. You will have to wear longer studs and keep your footing and it does make it more difficult for defenders to turn.”
In 2000, Scotland stopped England claiming the Grand Slam at a rain-drenched Murrayfield as the previously winless side stunned the visitors 19-13.
“I would welcome more bad weather for the match and some of Scotland’s most famous wins over England have come in poor conditions,” added Taylor. “It becomes a dog fight when muddy and that suits the Scottish players.”
Danny Care says England go into the game spurred on by Wales’ comeback last season as they prepare for the first of four must‑win Six Nations games.
Warren Gatland’s men became champions last season despite losing their opener to Ireland.
After conceding a late try to lose last week, Stuart Lancaster’s side will try to emulate Wales.
Scrum-half Care said: “We have to win every game if we are going to win the title and we are drawing a lot of inspiration from what Wales achieved. The Scots will try to make the breakdown a nightmare for us and we have to win the gain-line battle which will mean they cannot mess with our ball.
“That will allow us to play the way we want and it is all about us — that was the message all week. We have to take our performance to the next level after France even though we know Scotland will fly into the breakdown and be really strong in the line-outs.
“It will be a very testing atmosphere but we dealt with the Paris crowd and dug ourselves out of an early hole.”
