Five key battles ahead of the England v Scotland game

Courtney Lawes v Jonny Gray

After missing the first three games through injury, Courtney Lawes returns to the English side where he will go up against Jonny Gray. It is hard to believe that Gray is still only 20 years of age with the Glasgow player one of Scotland’s most important players. However he is going up against a very experienced second-row in Courtney Lawes who will look to make up for lost time and make a difference in England’s final two games.

Billy Vunipola v David Denton

Vern Cotter will be delighted to have Denton back in his starting XV, where he will look for his players to provide him with plenty of go forward ball. It won’t be an easy ride for the Edinburgh man as he comes up against an inform Vunipola. Vunipola has been one of England’s most impressive players in this years Six Nations and was their most impressive player in their disappointing defeat to Ireland in round 3.

George Ford v Finn Russell

Two of the most impressive young outhalves in Europe go head to head on Saturday looking to secure their side the Calcutta Cup. After years of uncertainty Scotland finally have a first choice outhalf that they can rely on to win them games with Russell having a long international career ahead of him. Ford has enjoyed a successful tournament so far, taking his opportunity with Farrell out injured. He found it difficult against Ireland however he did not have many opportunities to impress with Joe Schmidt’s side dominating possession. He should get a lot more ball on Saturday and will look to make a difference and win his side the game.

Jonathan Joseph v Mark Bennett

After a frustrating game against Ireland, Jonathan Joseph is looking to return to form when he takes on Scotland on Saturday evening. He comes up against Mark Bennett who has been impressive in his first Six Nations campaign. After scoring three tries in the first two games Joseph was left frustrated at the Aviva 12 days ago with the ball hardly reaching him and he struggled to make a difference. As for Bennett who will be happy to get his first try for the Scotland against Italy but with Scotland losing in the end he will be expected to deliver a fine performance and prevent Joseph from getting another try in this years championship.

Mike Brown v Stuart Hogg

Mike Brown returns from the head injury he suffered against Italy to return to the England starting XV where he will look to the get better of his opposite number Stuart Hogg. So far Stuart Hogg has made the most metres out of any other player and has beaten the most defenders and will look to cause England all sort of problems with Brown looking to keep Hogg quiet. The battle of the high ball should be an interesting one with both players so prolific and it will be difficult to see who will come out on top.

Ciaran Fallon