Not since Duncan Hodge inspired a stunning Scottish win in Edinburgh's freezing rain and hail six years ago have England failed to dominate international rugby's oldest fixture.

The statistics make dismal reading from a Scottish viewpoint, with England reeling off five successive victories and averaging 38 points a time as brutal pay-back for Hodge's heroics.

England, though, are not expecting an easy ride in the Scottish capital, and it could turn out to to be their toughest game so far in this season's tournament.

The world champions have accounted for Wales 47-13 and Italy 31-16, installing them as the competition's solitary unbeaten team after just two rounds and the only side that can land a Grand Slam this season.

England relied on their heavyweight pack - and a star-studded replacements' bench - to inflict damage on both occasions, yet Scotland appear to be made of sterner stuff these days under new coach Frank Hadden.

Their outstanding victory over pre-tournament favourites France was followed by a loss to reigning RBS 6 Nations champions Wales, yet that could have proved a totally different story had main lineout forward Scott Murray not been sent off after just 22 minutes.

Murray's subsequent three-week ban sidelines him this weekend - Scott MacLeod deputises - while Hadden has also recalled centre Marcus di Rollo and hooker Dougie Hall to the staring line-up.

England boss Andy Robinson, meanwhile, is boosted by the return of full-back Josh Lewsey after a shoulder injury, but a similar problem keeps out prop Matt Stevens, so Julian White makes his first RBS 6 Nations start since last season's competition.

England's power should be enough to keep them on a winning roll, but write Scotland off at your peril. It promises to be an enthralling encounter.