Max Malins believes England are ready to take a potentially hostile BT Murrayfield atmosphere in their stride in Saturday’s eagerly-awaited Calcutta Cup clash.
The versatile back is one of several members of Eddie Jones’ squad who have not played in front of a capacity crowd in the Scottish capital, though they have been given a flavour of what to expect by those who have.
“Last week a few blokes shared their experiences of travelling to away games and to Murrayfield in particular,” Malins said.
“They spoke about how it’s a hostile crowd as soon as you get off the bus and that even when you’re on the bus you can feel it.
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“When you’re walking into the changing rooms you’ll get whatever chat, so you have to be ready for that. It’s got to be water off a duck’s back.
“It’s important for those who haven’t played there to have an idea of what’s coming in those environments.”
While England are conscious of ensuring they are ready for the BT Murrayfield cauldron that awaits in Round 1, Malins went on to outline the importance of playing the game rather than the occasion.
The Saracens star is part of a squad determined to improve on 2021’s fifth-placed finish and there is also the prospect of revenge at stake, with England having surrendered their long unbeaten home record against Scotland last year.
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“Of course we want to focus on ourselves, but we don’t want to be overcome by the whole occasion of it,” Malins said.
“It’s important to get an idea of what we’re going into, not to freeze us up or create fear but to actually create excitement around the group.
“We want to set our stall out and our body language is going to prove that we’re ready for them as soon as we step off that bus.
“You don’t want to be overcome by the situation and everyone will react differently to it, but as a whole we’ll come together. We’ve created a united group here so we’ll stand together and walk in together.”
“Scotland is usually a tight game. Feisty as well. It’s always a battle so to play in this fixture would be incredible. I can’t wait if I get the chance.
“You don’t take any atmosphere personally. On the day I listen to it and sort of enjoy it. It’s why we like playing the game, these are the experiences you want.”
