Matt Williams side were expected to be winless after tough opening games against France in the Stade de France and tournament favourites Ireland at Murrayfield.

But Englands demise has been a major surprise after the loss to Wales in the Millennium Stadium and against the French at Twickenham on Sunday.

Andy Robinsons side must now attempt to arrest the slump in Dublin on February 27 against a confident Ireland team.

But Scotland and England could find themselves playing to avoid the unwanted Wooden Spoon award when they meet in the final game of the tournament next month.

However, Petrie is convinced the team will be off the mark before the Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham with matches against Italy and Wales on the horizon before the trip to London.

Petrie said: Italy are a good side, but they got beat by Wales and they will be looking to put one over us.

It is going to be a great test of character for us and its a good test of strength for us as players to come back and I am pretty confident we can do that.

We have tough games coming up and I am confident that we can set the record straight before we come to face England.''

But the 28-year-old admits the pressure is on for Scotland with just two wins from 14 games under coach Matt Williams.

Petrie added: We won in the autumn against Japan, but we want to do well every game.

We put great pressure on ourselves and there is also pressure from the people who come and watch us.

Its important that we start winning and we have to start doing that as soon as possible.

Petrie scored a consolation try in the 40-13 defeat by the Irish on Saturday but concedes it meant little in a match which had already run away from the Scotland team.

He said: It gave us no consolation at all.