Ex-England star concerned that ‘big trouble’ awaits against Finn Russell-inspired Scotland
Finn Russell in action for Scotland against England in 2023 Six Nations.
Former England full-back Mike Brown is worried that their new defensive system could come undone against Scotland next weekend.
The Red Rose have opened their Six Nations campaign in winning fashion, claiming successive victories over Italy and Wales.
They therefore go into the Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield in contention for a Grand Slam.
However, Steve Borthwick has acknowledged that plenty of work needs to be done, especially on their defence.
Springboks influence
England have hired Felix Jones as their new defence coach, taking over from Kevin Sinfield, and he has implemented a Springboks style of rearguard in this Six Nations.
Errors were made against Italy and Wales, especially in the first half, but they managed to adapt after the break and claim wins.
Their next challenge is to negate the threat of Finn Russell, who will no doubt give the Englishmen more to think about.
Brown therefore states that it is vitally important the visitors get it right or else Russell and Scotland could cut them apart.
“The key to winning in Edinburgh on Saturday is the Jones blitz defence shutting down Finn Russell and Co. If it doesn’t work, England could be in big trouble,” the Leicester Tigers back wrote in his Mail on Sunday column.
“Russell controls things from No10. His passing game is superb and they have dangerous X Factor players out wide.
“If England’s blitz defence isn’t aligned — and by that I mean they don’t put pressure on as a collective and with huge line speed — then Russell will find gaps to exploit.”
How England can target Scotland
Brown has identified what Borthwick’s men can do to keep Russell under wraps and give themselves a shot of going three from three.
“They need to use their high line speed to force Scotland’s attack back into areas England’s forwards can win turnovers at the breakdown. England have to take Russell’s time on the ball away.
“Their tacklers need to be immensely physical and stop Scotland runners dead in their tracks. If they don’t, Scotland will have the momentum that allows Russell to play to width.
“The first quarter is going to be key. If England can shut Scotland down and their defence fires, they have every chance. If not, it could be a long day at the office.”
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