Doddie Weir backs Scotland to succeed in the Calcutta Cup contest

Former Scotland international Doddie Weir believes the Dark Blues can upset the Six Nations defending champions England in the upcoming Calcutta Cup contest to be played at BT Murrayfield on Saturday

The annual contest between the two teams saw England register victories 71 times while Scotland have managed wins on 39 occasions with their last triumph coming in 2008.

England are on a roll after winning the summer and autumn internationals last year and started their Six Nations title defence with wins over Italy and Wales in the opening two rounds but Weir is hoping Gregor Townsend's men can break the shackles using the home advantage.

Asked how he saw the game going, he said with a smile: “It’s only one way, isn’t it? History.

“It’s not been a good hunting ground for Scots in the past. They had a bad encounter last year.

“I just think if it’s going to be any year, it’s going to be this year. The anticipation is quite interesting and exciting. I would hope they do very well and I think this year, Scotland might edge it.”

Scotland started their Six Nations campaign with a 34-7 defeat to Wales but managed to bounce back edging out France 32-26 in round two.

Weir said: “Scotland sometimes don’t fire when they think they’re the favourites in a game, and that was an occasion there down in Wales. But anyway, they have re-grouped and it’s exciting that they have got the show back on the road.”

However, the 47-year-old admitted that Scotland will have to be at their best both physically and mentally if they are to stop the England juggernaut.

“They have got the passion, they have got the crowd, they have got the home environment and with any luck, that’s what should make the difference.

“The English are on fire, they’re a very strong side, they have got very clever players, so you just have to try to not out-muscle them, but maybe out-think them.”

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