Having lost all five games in last year’s tournament to finish bottom of the pile it is Scotland’s opponents England who will start as heavy favourites in the clash in south-west London on February 2.

Scotland are a team in transition under their caretaker coach however Johnson has hit back at any suggestions the result is a foregone conclusion.

“Despite what people think, we are going to turn up to this game. We aren't going to cancel it. We are coming. We are keen to go,” Johnson said at the RBS 6 Nations launch this week in London.

“There is an underlying will to ruin a party at Twickenham.

“The unknown factor is a good thing for us. We are the poor little boys on the block and we are happy to go in as the poor little boys on the block.

“But rest assured, come game time we may not be a poor little boy.”

Johnson’s confidence about his side’s capabilities will be strengthened by the prospect of Glasgow Warrior’s Kiwi-born winger Sean Maitland making his Scotland debut.

The 24-year-old has turned heads this year in domestic rugby with his pace and Scotland flanker Kelly Brown said: “It’s been really exciting to come into the squad and see all these young guys and new players.

“The guy I am really looking forward to seeing is Sean Maitland. He has some serious wheels. If we can give him some space, he could be really exciting.”