Scots have 'nothing to lose'

'I just know it is very easy coaching a team who are the underdogs playing against arguably the best team in the world. You know what's going on in their changing room - Scotland have got absolutely everything to gain, and nothing to lose.'

England opened their Six Nations campaign with a seven-try half-century against Italy in Rome last weekend, but despite the margin of victory, the coaching analysis of that performance has been both detailed and critical.

'We played well in Rome, but we were a little bit rusty,' said Woodward. 'We've sat down and watched the video, and we are looking for a big performance tomorrow.'

The England players had a glimpse of Murrayfield today, and they found a playing surface wetter than anticipated.

'The pitch is pretty wet, which surprised us a wee bit,' added Woodward.

'But the weather forecast for tomorrow is very good. People talk about the weather up here in 2000, but it did rain before 2000. We just had a bad day, and lost to a better team.'

Scotland coach Matt Williams has called up wing Simon Webster and flanker Jason White following last Saturday's emphatic defeat against Wales in Cardiff.

White's promotion, especially, did not surprise Woodward.

'After the first game, you want to show some continuity in selection as a coach, but I thought White did particularly well when he came on against Wales. I was quite surprised that he didn't start, so his selection is pretty predictable,' Woodward added.

Williams, meanwhile, has even suggested that the Murrayfield faithful should applaud England on to the pitch, in appreciation of their new-found world champion status.

'There is very little chance of that happening, but I know what he's trying to say,' said Woodward.

'These Scotland versus England clashes are different, and you kind of like all the spice that goes with it. If they were to clap the team on, that would be nice, but I can't see it happening somehow. And I'm not bothered, to be frank.

'It's really all about what happens on the pitch. The hype that goes into the newspapers, especially from some of the ex-players who build it up beyond what it really is, is something that happened in the past, but we're only interested in what happens on the pitch.

'We're pretty clear how we prepare for this. A lot of it is between the ears as to how you prepare, especially the last 24 hours.

'But that's good, that's what we encourage, that's why we stay right in the middle of town and we try and find the best hotel. We're very relaxed, just ready to explode at 5.30 tomorrow afternoon.'