Six Nations 2026: Five talking points from the opening round

The England visit comes at a critical time for Scotland and its coach Gregor Townsend.

He entered the tournament courted by Newcastle Red Bulls and with question marks over his commitment to the cause.

An understated display in some appalling weather in Rome as Italy claimed a famous 18-15 win left some calling for change.

Former Scotland striker John Barkley told Rugby Special: “I thought before the Six Nations that Scotland should finish third or higher.

“If they don’t, which will be very difficult now, I think it becomes necessary to see change.

“It’s a good group of players and if you don’t see improvement there is an option to change. This could be the best thing for Gregor and for Scotland.”

Circumstances made things difficult, but it was Scotland’s heart rather than its hands that was in question.

“Italy were more aggressive, and that’s down to desire, not rain,” former Scottish, British and Irish Lions member Peter Wright told BBC Scotland.

“Townsend is an experienced coach and should have known they couldn’t play the rugby they wanted to play in those conditions. Scotland lost the war on set-pieces.”

The defeat was the fifth successive away defeat in the Six Nations for Scotland and their beleaguered coach.

Before the match, Townsend – who is contracted as head coach until the end of the 2027 World Cup – dismissed reports that he had agreed to take over as Newcastle Red Bulls coach after the World Cup as “pure speculation”.

More offers like this may make the contract expiration date a moot point. Scotland need to dig deep and find another level of performance against England.

Expect Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham to be called upon to provide energy and ammunition – as Scotland hope.