Why have Townsends Scotland had hex on England?

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Guinness Mens Six Nations: England v Scotland

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham Date: Saturday, 22 February Kick-off: 16:45 GMT

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live & BBC Sounds, live text and highlights on BBC Sport website and app; watch on ITV1

Should Gregor Townsends Scotland produce another famous Twickenham triumph over England in the Six Nations on Saturday, they will become the first Scottish side to win five successive Calcutta Cups.

Last years 30-21 win at Murrayfield made it four straight wins against the Auld Enemy for the first time since 1896.

And, while Twickenham was for the longest time a graveyard for Scottish hopes and dreams, the Scots are unbeaten in their last three visits.

Townsends record against England is remarkable. Of his seven Calcutta Cup matches as head coach, he has won five, drawn one and lost only one.

So how, after decades of pain, have Scotland turned the tables in recent years and put a Calcutta Cup hex on the English?

The first step was breaking Englands stranglehold on the Calcutta Cup.

Before Townsend took charge, Scotland had gone 10 years without a victory over the English, the nadir being a record 61-21 mauling at Twickenham in 2017.

When the sides met at Murrayfield the following year, everything changed.

Whereas previous Scottish victories had been upsets built on defiance and prevailing in wars of attrition, on that day Townsends side blew England away with a scintillating display of attacking rugby.

Finn Russell was sublime, Huw Jones scored two epic tries and the Scots stripped away the English aura of invincibility.

"Getting over the line in 2018 was definitely a massive one psychologically for the group," Greig Laidlaw, who kicked seven points in the 25-13 victory, said.

"Finn had a strong game, Huw obviously stepped up to the plate and those boys have probably been at the forefront of the last few Scotland victories in this fixture.

"England have not had that fear factor for Scotland ever since."

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Despite Scotlands recent dominance, the past seven meetings have been largely tight affairs.

The average final score across those matches is 23-19 in Scotlands favour. Five of the seven meetings have been decided by a score or less.

Crucially, Scotland lead the combined try count 19-13 and only once in the sequence have England managed to score 25 points or more - in the extraordinary 38-38 draw at Twickenham in 2019.

"Its almost like Scotland have very much looked forward to this game more than England have in the last number of years," Laidlaw said.

"Scotland have been on the front foot and its almost like England have just tried to defend their way to a win rather than using their attack."

BBC pundit and former England international Chris Ashton - who won four from four against Scotland during his Test career - says Steve Borthwicks current side will be desperate to avoid a record fifth consecutive defeat.

"I cant really comprehend being beaten by Scotland four times in a row," Ashton told the BBCs Scotland Rugby Podcast.

"That is not something I would want hanging over my head. But theres not too many in this England team who have experienced all that - maybe three or four.

"So I dont know how transferable it is. But, no matter what, if they get beat, its a hell of a tag to have against your name, isnt it?"

The Calcutta Cup has brought out the best in Scotlands talisman, Russell.

From the "Pass of the Century" in 2018, to leading the jaw-dropping Twickenham fightback from 31-0 down to draw in 2019, and numerous game-changing moments since, Russell has plastered his name all over Test rugbys oldest rivalry.

After has involvement against Ireland in round two was cut short after a clash of heads with Darcy Graham, there is doubt as to whether the Bath fly-half will be fit.

If he is does play, there is an argument that Russell needs a big performance to cement his status as the leading contender for the Lions 10 jersey this summer.

"Finn has three games left to stake his claim," Ashton said. "I wouldnt say he has done enough in the first two games to say he will be the 10.

"He has always been the guy that has not necessarily had the pressure on him to be the 10. He has always been the other guy, but when he came on in the last tour, it was like Ill show you what I can do.

"I do think he is running out of time and he needs to prove he is the go-to man for the Lions."

Laidlaw: "England will be a lot more confidence now after just getting over the line against France.

"Theyll obviously be very motivated for this one given the last number of years Scotland have beaten them and retained the Calcutta Cup, so its going to be a big ask for Scotland to win this weekend. I hope Im wrong."

Ashton: "I do fancy England at home and, with just how well they finished the game off against France, I think theyve taken a lot from it.

"Im expecting a hell of a game no matter what, but obviously I want England to win."