True class and not snarling is the key for Scots

AND so they’re back to renew the auld rivalry, sniping and snarling in a manner befitting their status as the Itchy and Scratchy of world rugby. Calcutta Cup week begins in the now traditional atmosphere of hope, fear, enmity and animosity, as Scotland prepare to welcome England for a Six Nations opener laden with import. Amid all the traditional, patronising blood-and-Braveheart nonsense about Vern Cotter’s men being fired up and spitting haggis for the arrival of their nearest and dearest neighbours, though, is it sacrilege to point out that our boys may just beat the English by actually playing rugby? Sure, Cotter’s guys still concede far too many tries for a top-class team, a fact easily overlooked during their thrilling World Cup campaign. Even accounting for a couple of injuries in key creative areas, though, they do have a surfeit of attacking nous in their ranks. Certainly enough to expose a team undoubtedly still learning the set-up and starting positions of a new coaching team. No one can expect ct Eddie Jones’ side to be faultless in their first outing under his guidance. There will be phases when their defensive line is, iff not ragged, then at least notable for one or two guys being half a step away from where they should be. It is up to the Scots to stay sharp and alert, then. To focus on the gaps, rather than the white shirt and red rose guaranteed to set Caledonian pulses racing. As for niggle and narking? Oh, there will be plenty of that. It’s not just part of this fixture — it is clearly part of the Jones plan. Ignore those who persist in arguing that the chippy Aussie picked Dylan Hartley as his captain in the hope that the much-banned repeat offender might be reformed. Without wishing Hartley (above) to go head-butting, biting and gouging his way into another lengthy suspension, Jones clearly wants the notorious forward to aggravate and annoy the opposition. Scotland have a choice to make, then. Either attempt to provoke Hartley into really losing the rag, doing something that will damage his team. Or rise above, get the ball in hand — and play the kind of aggressive, pacy, attacking rugby that so excited the nation back in the autumn.