Scotland wing feels the ‘force of Murrayfield’ will be key against ‘really good’ England

Scotland flyer Kyle Steyn is determined to help his team hold on to the Calcutta Cup when they take on England in their Six Nations Test at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The 30-year-old is set to return to Scotland’s matchday squad for the highly anticipated encounter after being a late withdrawal ahead the clash with France a fortnight ago.

Steyn was forced to withdraw on the morning of the Round Two Six Nations Test on Saturday, February 10 after his wife Ally went into labour late the previous afternoon.

Steyn’s daughter, Arabella, was eventually born via Caesarean section on Monday, February 12 after Scotland suffered a narrow 20-16 loss to Les Bleus at Murrayfield.

Controversial conclusion

That match ended in controversial circumstances when Scotland‘s replacement lock Sam Skinner thought he had grounded the ball on the try-line to secure a famous win for the home side but the match officials decided against awarding them a late try.

“My wife had been in labour from about 4 o’clock on Friday and we were hoping maybe I could make it back (in time to face France) if baby was born in the middle of the night, but it didn’t go that way,” explained Steyn.

“I was busy on the couch, trying my best to watch, but every five minutes my attention went elsewhere.

“I was the same as every other Scot at the end, screaming ‘that’s down, that’s a try’. I was gutted for the boys, you could see it on their faces and that’s what really hurt, the feeling that it was one that got away.

“But it was brilliant to be back in this week and see everybody. You can see the guys have very much put that behind them and I think the Calcutta Cup at home is an easy reason to move on from that and focus forward.”

The Glasgow Warriors stalwart has fond memories of last year’s corresponding fixture with the ‘Auld Enemy’ at Twickenham when Scotland notched a 29-23 victory – their third successive triumph over the Red Rose.

That means the Scots have now lost just one out of their last six encounters against the English.

“We definitely take confidence from that, and a bit of momentum, but coming off the back of the World Cup, they’ve just made the semi-finals and they seem to be finding their gears under the new management,” said Steyn.

‘An amazing game to play’

“They are a really good side with a lot of threats, so it’s a great challenge for us. It’s an amazing game to play.

“I’ve never played (for the) Calcutta Cup at home so I can’t wait for that. As far as the Six Nations goes and being a Scottish rugby player, there’s no bigger occasion than the Calcutta Cup at home.

“We’re really excited by the opportunity, especially in a year where we’ve only got two home games.

“We had the force of Murrayfield behind us for the France game and the boys are really looking forward to feeling that support again on the weekend.”

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