Townsend has 5 wins and a draw from his earlier eight conferences with England, with Scotland shedding out by a single level in London final yr.

There are not any Edinburgh gamers within the beginning XV, whereas 10 come from United Rugby Championship leaders Glasgow Warriors.

Seven of Van der Merwe’s 35 Scotland tries have come in opposition to England, together with a hat-trick the final time they met at Murrayfield in 2024.

“There are causes we chosen that backline and bench going into Italy and it is the identical causes going into England,” defined Townsend.

“We weren’t in a position to play in addition to a backline given the climate and alternatives at first of the sport.

“What the again three did within the kicking battle was glorious and the way they’ve been coaching is excellent so we have backed them once more this week.”

Adam Hastings was an unused substitute in opposition to Italy and Townsend was quizzed about going for a similar bench break up.

“Adam covers 10, so it is somebody we all know can deal with that position through the week and he has been enjoying very properly,” he stated.

“There are gambles going 6-2 with restricted cowl. We predict the climate goes to be dry so there may be extra alternative for backs approaching to have an affect.

“You go into the sport with expectations of utilizing the bench however in the event you needn’t – if gamers are enjoying properly and there are not any accidents – then at instances folks do not come off the pitch.”

England began the event by thumping Wales 48-7 at Twickenham, making it 12 successive Check victories.