venue: murrayfield stadium date: Saturday, February 24th kick off: 16:45 GMT |
coverage: Watch live on BBC One. Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live. Live text on BBC Sport website and app |
Center Fraser Dingwall says England need time to build “connections” to strengthen their attack against Scotland in the Six Nations.
England won their first two games in five years, but their attack was lackluster.
Steve Borthwick's side scored fewer tries than Italy. win in romewhile Dingwall added a second second in the second half. Victory over a youthful Welsh side.
“There are still elements that we are looking to expand on,” Dingwall told BBC Sport.
“Our offensive game is growing and growing. We're producing a lot of entries for the 22 teams we play against, but we want to score more points when we're out there.
“We have some incredible players with the ball so it’s important to find space for them. “Against Wales we needed to move the ball a little more to the edges and give the threatening players the ball. It's done. All that's left is to create one point. A one-on for a strong ball carrier.
“Combinations take time to form connections so they can pay attention to what those around them are doing.
“It's important that they see the same spaces and move the ball there. The more we train and the more aligned we are with what we're trying to do, the more we'll see results in the end.”
Dingwall made his Test debut in the win over Italy and subsequently maintained his position at inside center, scoring from a corner kick against Wales at Twickenham.
The 24-year-old Northampton center is likely to face competition for a place at Murrayfield after the experienced Manu Tuilagi is recalled to the squad after recovering from a groin injury.
Tuirangi, 32, was a key player in England's run to third place at the World Cup and will contribute to England's attack with his front-foot power in midfield. Dingwall, on the other hand, is smaller and has an impressive delivery style that draws other players into the game.
“It's very healthy competition and Manu offers something different to us in the center and he's very experienced,” Dingwall said.
“I spent time with Manu before and learned from him. If we can find a way to complement each other in training as well, it will be good for the team.”
“I've learned a lot since coming here and I've seen areas where I need to improve my game.
“I have more work to do with my own ball movement and how to identify where the spaces are and get them there.
“Physically, I'm definitely seeing growth in terms of my contact skills. The international level is stepping up, so if I can improve my contact effectiveness, that will definitely help me as well.”
Born in Cambridge, Dingwall inherited his paternal heritage and played age grade rugby for Scotland before going on to represent England at under-20 level.
Dingwall held on to his ambition to play for England despite attending 10 training camps but failing to win a senior cap. And now he says there will be no divided loyalties in Edinburgh as the visiting side look to end a three-game losing streak against Scotland.
He added: “It would be very exciting if I was selected to play.
“My dad is from Scotland so there will be some familiar faces, but it's a game that England want to win. I'm very proud of my heritage but I want to win for England.”