3 takeaways as Scotland name their Six Nations team to face England

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has named his starting 15 to face England in Saturday's Six Nations opener.

The nation goes into this spring's tournament with a real belief that they can win their first title since the expansion.

But so much will hinge on the Calcutta Cup showdown at Murrayfield this weekend.

England's Eddie Jones has already started the mind games by suggesting Scotland are favourites to win it but cautiously optimistic Townsend knows a massive challenge lies ahead as he revealed his starters, captained, of course, by Stuart Hogg.

He said: "We feel privileged to be involved in the oldest international rugby fixture on Saturday, against our nearest rivals.

"We are aware of how much winning at Twickenham boosted the spirits of our supporters at the start of last year’s tournament, and we’re looking forward to playing in front of them in person this year.

"We are under no illusions on the tough challenge we have ahead of us against an England side who defeated the World Champions (South Africa) in their last outing.

"The starting 15 we have named has a consistent feel to it which is great for cohesion but we will also benefit from returning players such as Jonny Gray and Rory Sutherland who have been important players for us in recent seasons.

"Ben White has been in very good form for London Irish and has trained well in the last two weeks, so can approach his first involvement at Test level with real confidence."

Magnus misses out

Reborn under new Edinburgh coach Mike Blair, Magnus Bradbury was recalled for the Autumn Nations Series tests and has gone from strength to strength since.

He won the club's player of the month award in December for his outstanding form that helped the capital side go