England v Scotland - Key Points
Billy Vunipola will make his return from injury for England
©PA
A win for England against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday will seal their Six Nations title defence. Here are few of the key points ahead of the encounter.
CLOSER TO HISTORY
England refuse to discuss their winning run, but stringing together 17 Test wins is a magnificent achievement. Victory over Scotland would see them equal the record set by New Zealand last year, while the same outcome against Ireland a week later would nudge them past the All Blacks and into the history books.
IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT PERFORMANCE
England are the Six Nations' only unbeaten team, their Grand Slam defence remains intact and they could retain the title if they dispatch Scotland as Ireland lost to Wales on Friday, yet they have failed to scale the heights witnessed at certain points last year. They are still winning, however, and choose to deflect any enquiries over their drop in form by detailing their quest for the perfect performance.
BILLY'S BACK
As the tournament reaches its climatic phase, England are able to welcome back Billy Vunipola, the rampaging number eight and their most destructive ball carrier. Vunipola will be unleashed upon the Scots as a second-half replacement having proved his fitness after three months out with a knee injury.
BUT IS OWEN OUT?
Owen Farrell, the heartbeat of Jones' England, is now a major doubt for the Triple Crown decider after sustaining an unspecified leg injury during training on Thursday. The inside centre was unable to take part in the captain's run at Twickenham on the eve of the match and will be given every chance to prove his fitness, with Ben Te'o set to deputise at 12 in his absence.
1983
In one of the sport's most remarkable losing runs, Scotland have not prevailed at Twickenham since 1983. When they last won at the ground, petrol cost 36.7p per litre and the £1 coin had not come into circulation. Victories over Ireland and Wales have lifted the Scots, however, and this is viewed as their best chance of ending that wait for some time.
Our 6 Nations cover is sponsored by Allett Mowers
