England begin their latest rebuild on when they clash with Scotland at Murrayfield during the opening weekend of the 2016 Six Nations.
Astute and outspoken coach Eddie Jones has pledged to guide England back to the top of the rugby world, but this is a tricky start against a vastly improved Scottish side.
Jones culled nine British and Irish Lions from his original squad selection, but has preserved 512 caps and no debutants in the starting XV for this clash.
In the competitive halfback position Danny Care has been preferred ahead of long-term rival Ben Youngs, while the other contentious spot was at loosehead prop, where Joe Marler edged out Mako Vunipola.
Flanker Jack Clifford, prop Paul Hill and centre Ollie Devoto are set to make their international debuts off the bench.
Perhaps the most curious aspect of England’s selection is the absence of a specialist openside flanker, one of the reasons attributed to their spectacular World Cup failure.
Scotland have identified this particular shortfall and chosen two openside flankers in their starting XV. John Hardie will work in tandem with John Barclay, who did not make last year’s World Cup squad and has been absent for the past three Six Nations campaigns, but has 46 caps and plenty of mileage on the clock. Blair Cowan off the bench is another 7 option.
In the backs, Glasgow centre Mark Bennett has recovered from a shoulder injury in a settled side that features only two changes from the starting XV that almost upset Australia in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Scotland playing with renewed vigour, England looking to open a new chapter; this will be a fascinating battle for the Calcutta Cup – international rugby’s oldest trophy.
Prediction
Scotland by 3.
In Brief
Guest
who the f.. knows?
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
An opinion we've come to respect from a man who called this Scotland by 20 ....
ben
Guest
Vunipola at 8 got motm but really both vunipolas could do well to lose 10 15kgs. They just look overweight and unfit. They walk around a lot especially marko...they carry a lot of flubber . Scotland for all their heart and passion really have no attack. The game really looked a rung or 2 below what we saw at the world cup knockout stage.
Squirrel
Guest
Both sides were terrible. The Scottish wingers never stay on their man. Sydney uni firsts would beat either teams
In brief
Guest
Can't find this on the Foxtel guide, is it free to air?
Dan in Devon
Guest
a fairly easy win in the end to England. I think Scotland have a problem at scrum half with Laidlaw - he is routinely too slow to clear the ball out and seems intent on playing as if he is the main attacking option. Scotland need a half who is less obtrusive and willing to play quickly through the fly half.
Sandy
Guest
Awesome, serious goosebumps, and I am not Scottish.
Squirrel
Guest
Scotland paying 3-1.
Squirrel
Guest
5.40am
Squirrel
Guest
What AEST time is it on