Six Nations: Sean Lamont says keep it simple

Published on 02/02/2013 00:43

SCOTLAND’S most experienced back, Sean Lamont, believes that the secret to another famous Calcutta Cup success this evening will lie in their ability to keep it simple.

Lamont moves back to outside centre from the wing for his 72nd cap with Sean Maitland and Tim Visser bringing a new wide threat, but Lamont is hopeful he can use his power and pace to cause problems for the English defence and give the new wingmen opportunities. However, desperate to uncover some success after a career which has endured more dips than high points, Lamont insisted that the key to bringing an end to a 30-year wait for another Calcutta Cup win at Twickenham will lie with every member of the squad sticking to the script.

He said: “We have a gameplan in place and, if we stick to it, it will work and we can win. We have simplified a few things and we go into the England game with a no-frills plan that I know can be effective if we implement it correctly. I am just happy to be still involved. If you don’t enjoy it there is no point carrying on. It is part and parcel of why I play rugby. No, it has not all been roses. It has been a roller-coaster ride we go on now and again. I want to win, all the players want to win, all the management want to win, and not just this weekend but going forward. I want to win everything.”

Experience, Lamont added, could be a crucial factor, with a good spine of the England team being new to the Calcutta Cup experience.

“Whatever is thrown at me I can relate to it because I am sure I have been there before, and that will help. There have always been close matches with England. Maybe our problem in the past is that we switch off for a few minutes and let them score a try that would take the game away from us. We play well for 60 minutes but need to do it for the full 80.”

He added: “They will be on a high after [beating] New Zealand and they have good players. But it is a derby and derby games are always about who wants it more. If we tick all the boxes then we have a damn good shout.”