Scotland appeal on handicap

England should beat old adversaries Scotland in the RBS Six Nations at Murrayfield on Saturday, but the match may be closer than tournament form suggests.

Scotland have had a dismal run in the competition, losing all three matches and scoring just one try while leaking 11 at the other end.

England, having got off to a shocking start with a self-inflicted defeat against Wales, came back to their resilient best when beating France in Paris last time and will be looking to extend their winning run.

The overall market suggests it will be one-way traffic with England no better than 2-7 with Stan James and Coral, but it may not be that simple.

The Scots have form when it comes to thwarting the Old Enemy - they won here 18-12 two years ago - and the key will be to improve their defence.

Alan Tait, the Scotland defence coach, has been drilling into his men the importance of cutting out individual errors and misjudgments, and if they can take that message on board then they have the capability to take a big step forward.

The effect of the Danny Cipriani affair on the England camp is an imponderable, but it does restore to full back Iain Balshaw, who has not looked that secure under the high ball.

Whether Scotland have the fire-power to beat England is debatable but the handicap market offers an interesting opportunity.

Betfred have the Scots at 10-11 with a ten-point start and that is worth taking.