The way England fought back to give France a scare in Paris will be worthy of as much attention as to their nightmare start to the Six Nations as Scotland plot another Calcutta Cup surprise, says Jonny Gray.
The lock played in both the victory in 2018 at Murrayfield and the incredible 38-all draw at Twickenham last March, but the focus is all on Saturday as the Scots seek to retain the great old trophy for the third year in succession – which they last did as far back as 1984.
“It will be a challenge for everyone,” said Gray. “You just look at how well England have played over the last couple of years – and how they played in the World Cup. They’re such a good team, a world class side.
“You look at the players they have and the strength in depth they have. They’re well coached as well.
“They’ll be disappointed with the result in France, but we look at the difference between the first half and the second half, and how they got themselves back in the game.”
Scotland’s review of the Ireland game was a frustrating couple of hours in front of the video screens, and they planned to quickly move on, he added.
“We have to look at the game and take the learnings we need to from there, but there was a lot of frustration in the review,” he said.
“There have been a lot of good honest conversations. It was a gutting defeat but we know we can get better.
“The culture in the squad is massively strong, we’ve said that from day one. We have to be really connected as a team. I think that’s what so good about this team and environment, how close the guys are.”
He was impressed by the first Six Nations start of his Glasgow Warriors club colleague Adam Hastings, fitting into the role vacated by Finn Russell.
“I thought he was great, he’s a great player and he is developing all the time,” continued Gray. “Since he started at Glasgow, each week and each game he has got better and better.
“It was great the way he led, the confidence he had, calling the plays and calling the moves.
“I wasn’t surprised at all. The way he has been playing all season and the seasons before that, with each game he is developing all the time with his attack and his defence as well and his communication – his all-round game really.
“He’s a very resilient guy. He’s a massive competitor as well, which is great to see. Even when we are playing small-sided games in training he gets really stuck in. He wants to win when he plays and he’s a great guy off the pitch.”
