England captain Maro Itoje starts as Steve Borthwick backs under pressure Scotland boss Gregor Townsend
England head coach Steve Borthwick is surprised by the scrutiny of Gregor Townsend's position as Scotland boss ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash at Murrayfield (4.40pm). The Scots are reeling after being ambushed 18-15 by Italy in Rome, plunging them to 10th in the global rankings behind the Azzurri and placing doubt over Townsend’s ability to continue until the 2027 World Cup as contracted. Former national team captain John Barclay declared this week that if they fail to finish in the top three then it "becomes a necessity to see a change". Townsend was...