Scotland interim head coach Scott Johnson has stated his side are happy to be an unknown quantity in this year's Six Nations.
Johnson has taken over the role following the sacking of Andy Robinson last November, following a shock 21-15 defeat to Tonga.
With a new coaching staff led by Johnson and former England international Dean Ryan, the former Wales boss says his side will focus on themselves rather than the fixture list and the history of their predecessors, who have not won at Twickenham for 30 years.
"We can't control the draw - it's decided that we're going to Twickenham and it's our objective to be ready. We know the size of the task ahead," said Johnson.
"I don't think this group of players are old enough to remember that [last win at Twickenham.] History is somebody else's - we have to create our own so we will disregard what has happened in the past and focus on now.
"We bring a bit of an unknown quality. They are not really sure what we are about, so I think that unknown factor is a good thing. We're under the radar and the poor little boy on the block and we are happy to play that role. But rest assured when it comes to game time, we might not be a poor little boy.
"We can look elsewhere as much as we like but the reality is if we don't get our part right it's not worth turning up. We have looked at the development of the England squad and management [over the last 12 months], but we have to focus on what we do before think about the opposition.
"Despite what people think, we are going to turn up at Twickenham. We're not cancelling it - we're coming and keen to go."
Commenting on the end of the previous regime, Johnson highlighted positive aspects in the defeats to South Africa and New Zealand, rather than focusing on the defeat against Tonga.
"Everyone focuses on the Tonga game, but we did some good things against formidable opposition in South Africa and New Zealand," added Johnson.
"We didn't get the result against Tonga but the world order is changing - these Polynesian sides are now quality rugby sides."
Johnson will lead the new Scottish coaching group alongside Ryan, with the new coach expressing admiration for his maturity and leadership.
"It was important for me to have somebody with maturity to go with our young coaching team and I'm really glad Dean [Ryan] accepted the role," stated Johnson.
"He works both sides of the fence and he is a really good signing for us because he knows how to control a room and brings that maturity.
Both Johnson and potential captain Kelly Brown admitted they were excited about Sean Maitland, the former Crusaders winger who is eligible to play for Scotland through his father. Both acknowledged the new winger's exceptional pace, with Johnson rejecting any notion that Maitland would become a "token" Scotland international.
"It's been really exciting to come into the squad and see all the young guys and new players," said Brown.
"One guy in particular is Sean Maitland - he has got some serious wheels and if we can give him a little bit of space it will be really exciting.
"Everyone thinks Sean has come in under the grandparent rule, but his father is Scottish and has great pride in being a Scotsman," clarified Johnson.
"This kid has proud Scottish hertiage - it's not just a tokenism and he would be offended if anyone questioned that.
"You can cast aspersion at some people, but certainly not Sean and that's why we value him. He's certainly got some shoes and if he can get the ball, that will be nice to have."
by Ben Coles
@bencoles_
Comments
melkdave says...
Have to agree that Scotland as always are the dark horses.England playing them 1st up should be a good game,as Scotland always seem to play well in the first two games then seem to fade for some reason.Maybe its confidance,and not getting victory in those games.I do not think its lack of quality,at least in the 1st XV .Hoping they dont beat England as im english lol,but i do hope they have a good championship,from then on.The Italy game at home is going to be absolutly vital imo.If Scotland can win that one,it does set them up nicely against a inconsistent Ireland ,and victory there will be a huge boost to morale .Anyway heres hoping
Posted 15:03 24th January 2013
kinkster says...
It was my understading that Robinson resigned and was not sacked as stated in this report
Posted 02:40 24th January 2013
atg77 says...
I think Scotland have some real chances at Twickenham... have one their best back three's ever and well overdue a win down there...
Posted 23:47 23rd January 2013
scot_rsa says...
Whether Scotland get results in the 6 Nations is unclear, however we'll know a lot more about the players at the end of it and that is success in itself. We must find out if players like Fusaro, Weir, Harley, Horne, Gilchrist etc are up to the occasion and that is what Johnson is doing. Then we must see if guys like Bennett, Hunter, Leonard and Wilson are the next wave. It should never stop and complacency should never set in. Whatever the coaching skills may be the thinking is a lot better. From the coach at least. I won't get carried away and believe the administrators here will follow suit.
Posted 21:26 23rd January 2013