The former England skipper writes for The Northern Echo during the RBS 6 Nations.

AS we’ve seen during this year’s competition, the RBS 6 Nations has a habit of serving up great drama.

Theatre is one thing but good old-fashioned rivalry is another – when England lock horns with Scotland today, two of rugby’s oldest adversaries will be determined to restore pride to their wounded nations.

Both have endured two difficult weeks of reflection in the wake of defeats during their last outings.

England were given a lesson in ruthlessness by a clinical Irish performance at Twickenham, as Scotland were humbled by a determined Italian side, who secured only their ninth RBS 6 Nations victory since they first took part in the competition in 2000.

It’s often a bad idea to underestimate a wounded animal. England and Scotland will be hurting but both will want to leave their stamp on Murrayfield, biting back at the first available opportunity.

Victory is vital for both, however Martin Johnson and Andy Robinson have very different agendas in the context of the championship.

England are still capable of topping the overall standings, Scotland are facing the very real prospect of the wooden spoon. The Scots have two games to save themselves but it doesn’t look good.

If Scotland need any extra motivation to topple England in front of their home fans, they need look no further than head coach Robinson.

He had a tricky time of things when he was in charge of England and the media didn’t help matters, heaping pressure on the team week after week. If anyone in Murrayfield has a point to prove it is Andy.

What better way to silence the critics than to put one over your fiercest rivals?

Delon Armitage has shaken off the rib injury sustained during the defeat to Ireland, which means England’s backline remains unchanged. Ben Foden, who was widely tipped to get his chance to impress, will have to settle for the bench.

Various members of England’s pack have been involved in off-field issues since the last game and it will be interesting to see how they react.

The first was James Haskell, who found himself, somewhat unfortunately, in the middle of a club v country row and has been quick to admit that it has been an awkward time for himself. He’ll be happy to concentrate on playing.

Another player making headlines recently is Lewis Moody. Arguably England’s best player over the last 12 months, Lewis announced that he is to move on from Leicester, after 14 years, to join Bath.

A surprising move made even more so by the fact that it seems to have cost him his place in the starting line-up. The ever reliable Joe Worsley comes in for his 73rd cap but the decision to drop Moody is strange.

For Scotland to be in with a chance of winning, much will rest on the broad shoulders of their British & Irish Lion Euan Murray.

Murray, who made his international debut against England at Twickenham in 2007, is one of the form players in the Premiership and the Scots will need him to bring his big game experience to the fray.

In the backs, Sean Lamont has proven his quality in both attack and defence.

Whether he can produce the level of rugby required on a consistent basis remains to be seen but he had decent games against both France and Wales.

By the time the game gets underway the Dallaglio Cycle Slam will have reached its conclusion.

In total I’ve cycled 2,800km, with the help of some dedicated friends, from Rome to Murrayfield, taking in Paris, Twickenham, Cardiff and Dublin.

It’s all been in aid of Sport Relief and the Dallaglio Foundation. To make a donation please visit www.- dallagliocycleslam.com

■ Lawrence Dallaglio is rugby ambassador for Greene King IPA, the Official Beer of England Rugby. To find your nearest Official England Rugby Supporter Pub visit www.greenekingipa.co.uk