While Scotland Under-20 come to Franklin’s Gardens with a complete contrast in fortunes to hosts England, Rory Hutchinson believes his countrymen will be inspired by the occasion on Saturday evening.
The centre – who used the Under-20 stage as a springboard to becoming a Saints first team regular – was a mainstay for Scotland across three seasons, playing over 20 times in an unprecedented run of Six Nations and World Rugby Under-20 Championship games.
Little over a year ago Hutchinson was part of a side that shocked England at Broadwood and he is hoping that will provide the inspiration for an upset.
“Beating England up in Scotland for the first time will probably be my best memory from my time with the Under-20s,” Hutchinson said.
“There are a few key players left in that squad so I’m sure they’ll be passing on memories of last year. Any England-Scotland match is massive at any level and form can go out of the window. I’m sure they’ll be well up for it and it should be a cracking game.”
As well as Anglo-Scottish rivalry, the flying form of the senior side in this year’s Six Nations is something Hutchinson believes can spur on both team and individual, especially given the pathway of star performers.
“You look at that squad and a lot of them have come through the Under-20 setup – the likes of Finn Russell, Jonny Gray – and they’re leading by example. They’re just a couple of Scots who are massive contenders for the Lions and it just shows that if you can perform well on the Under-20 stage, you can go places.”
International rugby hits Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday, March 11th, when England Under-20 host Scotland in the Six Nations.
Ticket prices start at just £12 for adults and £5 for juniors! CLICK HERE to book online.
