Eddie Jones warned Scotland they do not have a “monopoly on pride” as England gear up for tomorrow’s Six Nations showdown.
The 150th anniversary of international rugby’s oldest fixture brings Scotland to Twickenham for the Calcutta Cup.
And Jones wasted no time getting stuck into the auld enemy as England target a third trophy in as many months.
“We know for Scotland this is their most important game of the year, they talk about it all the time,” said the Australian.
“But Scotland don't have a monopoly on pride. Our players love playing for England, love being part of this team.
“Scotland bring that edge and we’re going to make sure we’re ready.”
Jones, who was verbally and physically abused on his return from this fixture at Murrayfield three years ago, added: "You listen to the Scottish, how much it means to them.
“They’ve come out very clearly and said it's their biggest game of the year, their most important game, they are playing for trophies.
“That's a huge expectation for them and maybe, with 15 minutes to go in the game, the expectation is going to get pretty heavy for them.”
Jones insists the hype around the fixture will only benefit England, “making us raise our own game".
He continued: “We know we’re going to have to be at our best to beat Scotland because they have been prioritising this as their game of the year.
“For us it’s our most important game because it’s our next game.”
Tartan counterpart Gregor Townsend reckons the absence of fans will make Twickenham feel “more like a neutral venue”.
But England captain Owen Farrell insists it will make no difference to the intensity his side brings.
“It is a long time ago since we had crowds watching us," he said. "While we can’t wait to have them back because they are a big part of the game, I struggle sometimes when people say that it takes away the intensity of the game.
“These are tough, tough internationals in a big tournament. It feels like that by the way we prepare and are getting ready for the game. We can’t wait to be involved in that occasion.”
