Scotland must score four tries in a Test match against Tier One opposition for only the fifth time this century and the first time anywhere other than Murrayfield if they are to keep their World Cup destiny in their own hands.
Since their remarkable win in Paris in 1999 -- which offers some hope since the five-try burst in 25 minutes saw off France and ultimately carried Scotland to victory in the last Five Nations Championship -- they have only managed that feat against Ireland and Italy.
Both times against Ireland, unusual circumstances were involved. The first came in what has become known as the “Foot and Mouth” Test, when the Six Nations meeting was postponed until September 2001 and Scotland stunned their grand slam-chasing opponents at Murrayfield, scoring four tries in a 32-10 rout.
The second was against what was virtually a second-string Ireland side in a warm-up match ahead of the 2007 World Cup when Andy Henderson claimed a hat-trick as the Scots registered five tries in a 31-21 win.
One of their big wins against Italy was also in a World Cup warm-up match when they scored six tries in a 47-15 win. That same year, they scored four tries when they won the teams’ Six Nations meeting 33-25.
Nick De Luca, one of the more creative players in the squad during this campaign, yesterday insisted that it was possible to turn form on its head. “I think it’s feasible,” said the centre. “It’s a huge ask. England do have a great defence and we aren’t prolific try scorers so it’s going to be a tough ask but we’re definitely confident we can do it.”
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