SIMON SHAW AND ANDY NICOL LOOK AHEAD TO THE ENGLAND VS SCOTLAND SIX NATIONS GAME

SIMON SHAW AND ANDY NICOL LOOK AHEAD TO THE ENGLAND VS SCOTLAND SIX NATIONS GAME

Speaking at an event hosted by QBE, the business insurance specialist, former England lock Simon Shaw and ex-Scottish international Andy Nicol discussed the Six Nations performances so far and looked forward to the game between England and Scotland this weekend.

Simon Shaw said “England had a blistering start to the tournament. After the Wales game I thought there would be tougher games to come, and there certainly have been. The match against Ireland was a challenging game for England, and unfortunately Ireland ended up being the better side. England now need to get back to their winning ways, re-build their confidence and finish the Six Nations positively.”

“Competition for places in this England side is fierce, and with standout players from the first two games not firing against Ireland, they will need to perform well against Scotland and France to cement their places.”

From a Scottish perspective, having had a poor start to the Six Nations, Andy Nicol is looking at the positives, “Vern Cotter has given the team confidence, he’s got them playing quite a simple game plan but it’s a game plan that plays to their strengths and that then breeds confidence in itself. He is empowering the players, giving them the license to go to play and that’s a great environment to be in as a player.”

“I think that one of the first things that came out of the game against France was the Scottish defence, it was rock solid, thanks to a good defensive coach in Matt Taylor. Against Italy, discipline at the end of the game gave Italy victory, so I hope that Scotland can replicate their more disciplined performances and turn them into a win against England this weekend.”

“Despite the poor Six Nations Scotland has had in terms of the results, it is important for them to go into the England game and play the good rugby they are capable of, and what they have shown glimpses of so far.”

These quotes have been taken from an exclusive interview with QBErugby.com.

Simon Shaw and Andy Nicol were speaking on behalf of QBE, the Business Insurance Specialist, official insurance partner of England Rugby.

For more information about QBE and the QBE Coaching Club, please visit www.QBErugby.com