Six Nations 2026: Scotland v England in Calcutta Cup – Preview

Townsend’s “Pride in Effort” emblem is the largest red cloth for the largest Scottish bull.

The scale of the failure was epic, not because of the loss – because the game was always close against a great Italian team – but in the way they lost.

Their lack of aggression and intent from the start, their defensive disorganization of Italy’s attempts, the terrible weaknesses in their backline (while Italy outplayed most of their players), the bouts of indiscipline that hurt themselves at critical times, and their inability to solve problems on the move.

Italy was missing some key players. Scotland didn’t miss anyone.

When it came to coaching and player execution, Italy had plenty of both.

They inflicted a soul-crushing defeat on Scotland, but in many respects, Scotland did it to themselves. A recurring theme, that.

The sense of outrage in the aftermath is unprecedented since Andy Robinson’s side lost to Tonga in 2013, and Matt Williams’ side lost to almost everyone during his slapstick years in charge.

Is the campaign over after just one match? Maybe premature, but you can’t blame anyone for thinking that.

England expects an angry Scottish reaction on Saturday. Some visitors, deeply affected by the recent experience, will know there is fire and brimstone on their way.

Large numbers of home fans are now dead set against Townsend remaining as manager, but come kick-off time in Edinburgh, you wouldn’t know it. The place will be electrified.

Can you rule out a Scotland upset? No. Would you bet on it? No, again.

At Murrayfield, decision-makers sit silently, still seemingly confident that improvement will come if they hold their nerve.

As a reminder, Townsend took charge in 2017. He has made nearly 100 appearances. This is his ninth time in the Six Nations tournament. Scotland has never competed.

Its future is talked about, but not by the people who might define it. not yet.

That may come later, depending on what happens in the coming weeks – ‘maybe’ is the word used – but for now there is the Calcutta Cup to deal with and a world of questions for Townsend to answer.