Scotland v England, Six Nations 2024: Today’s kick-off time, how to watch and latest team news
Scotland host the Auld Enemy today (Saturday 24 February) knowing they will need a Calcutta Cup victory to hoist themselves back into Six Nations championship contention.
While England have won two out of two, Scotland’s agonising defeat against France means they cannot afford any more slip-ups. England have beaten Scotland only once since 2017 in the Six Nations, however.
When is Scotland v England?
Scotland and England meet today (Saturday 24 February). The match kicks off at 4.45pm (GMT).
Where is Scotland v England taking place?
Murrayfield, the home of Scottish rugby. The stadium in Edinburgh has a capacity in excess of 67,000.
How to watch Scotland v England on TV
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One. Coverage starts at 4pm. The day’s earlier match is Ireland vs Wales at 2.15pm.
Who is the referee?
Andrew Brace (Ire). Telegraph Sport has published a full guide to all the referees at this year’s tournament.
What is the latest team news?
Scotland
The hosts are boosted by the return of full-back Blair Kinghorn but continue to be without wing Darcy Graham.
Kinghorn, who now plays for Toulouse, missed the first two rounds of the Six Nations with a knee issue but comes straight back into the side at full-back at the expense of Harry Paterson, who impressed making his Test debut in the defeat against France.
Graham had originally been pencilled in to return against England but is continuing his recovery from a quad injury, meaning that Kyle Steyn – a late withdrawal before the game against France after his wife went into labour – continues on the right wing. Kyle Rowe, who impressed at full-back against Wales and on the wing against France, misses out entirely.
Scotland’s third and final change to their starting side comes in the back row, with Jamie Ritchie returning to the side and replacing Matt Fagerson.
Scotland XV: Kinghorn, Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe, Russell (co-capt), White; Schoeman, Turner, Fagerson, Gilchrist, Cummings, Ritchie, Darge (co-capt), Dempsey.
Replacements: Ashman, Hepburn, Millar-Mills, Skinner, Christie, Horne, Healy, Redpath.
England
Steve Borthwick has dropped Freddie Steward in favour of George Furbank at full-back.
Steward has been an ever-present under successive England regimes because of his unrivalled ability under the high ball, but having started the opening two rounds of the Guinness Six Nations he is jettisoned from the 23 completely.
The inclusion of Furbank will provide more of a cutting edge in attack but Furbank has yet to convince in his six caps dating back to 2020.
The decision at full-back is influenced by Ollie Lawrence’s return at inside centre. England have lacked a runner capable of breaking tackles and drawing in defenders as a decoy but Lawrence will perform that role. He missed the victories over Italy and Wales because of a hip injury but has been preferred ahead of Manu Tuilagi to provide physical presence in the number 12, resulting in Fraser Dingwall being axed from the midfield.
Dingwall’s strength is as a link player and in a nod to the ball skills and game management he provided in the opening two rounds, England feel the all-round game of Furbank is needed at full-back.
What are the current standings?
When did Scotland and England last win the Six Nations?
Scotland last won in 1999, before Italy joined and when the tournament was known as the Five Nations. England last won in 2020.
Scotland’s last Grand Slam was in 1990. England’s last Grand Slam was in 2016.
Scotland’s last Triple Crown was also in 1990. England’s last Triple Crown was in 2020.
What was the score last year?
England 23 Scotland 29: Duhan van der Merwe’s late try gave Scotland back-to-back wins at Twickenham for the first time, turning Calcutta Cup history on its head.
What are the latest odds?
Scotland to win: 8/13
England to win: 17/10
Draw: 22/1
Odds correct as of February 23
