Scotland v England: The visitors could forge a new era in the Six Nations tie

Because England’s winning streak began with some successive victories.

Victory over France in the second round of last year’s Six Nations was achieved, in part, through expensive butterfingers.

A one-point win over Scotland two weeks later would have been a defeat had Russell nailed a conversion shot in the final.

After concluding that Six Nations campaign with victories over Italy and Wales, England, without the 14 British and Irish Lions, impressed by beating Argentina twice on a Test tour.

But the Pumas, who have struggled with the demands of 12 months on their star players, were also below full strength.

Victory over New Zealand was the centerpiece of England’s autumn, but Scott Robertson’s subsequent dismissal suggested the All Blacks were not using the tools with their usual gusto.

The current route of England is built around Twickenham. Can they go down the road and break the knot that Scotland has imposed on them in recent years?

If not, back-to-back trips to the Stade de France and Ellis Park to play France and South Africa in March and July respectively suddenly look more difficult.

There are some relative Test rookies in their squad. Henry Arundel has improved a lot in defence, but he was not tested much against Wales last week. Tommy Freeman is learning while working at the position, a potential opportunity that Sione Tuipulotu and Jones will try to exploit. Jay Pepper, who has eight caps, will be a target for wily opponent Jimmy Ritchie.

Elsewhere, Luke Cowan-Dickie could be reeling at the start, while England’s substitutes were not as quick to pull away from Wales as Borthwick had hoped, with the hosts dominating the second half with a relatively narrow 19-7 lead.

These are minor quibbles. Certainly compared to Scotland.

Gregor Townsend’s men were left devastated by a defeat to Italy, which could spell the beginning of the end for both the coach and a generation of outstanding players.

But those happier and more distant memories are also still there for them.

Two names remain among the 23 players who beat England eight years ago – Russell, who threw the pass, and Jones, who caught it.

England must break this connection to the past.