SCOTLAND CAN WIN THE SIX NATIONS!

Even England legend Sir Clive Woodward is convinced Townsend’s men are genuine title contenders this year

ENGLAND World Cup winner Sir Clive Woodward has backed Scotland as genuine title contenders for this year’s Six Nations.

The Championship kicks off a week today as Gregor Townsend’s men host England at a full BT Murrayfield in the Calcutta Cup.

It promises to be a blistering start to the tournament and, when asked if he thought the Scots could finally lift the trophy for the first time since their Five Nations triumph in 1999,

Woodward said: ‘Yes, definitely. I always look at the 10-12-13 — and Scotland’s combination of (Finn) Russell, (Cameron) Redpath and (Chris) Harris is absolutely world-class. Scotland aren’t going to fear the England back line.

‘This is going to be one of the closest Six Nations ever. With five of the teams, anything could happen.’

Former Scotland captain Andy Nicol agreed, the Sportsmail columnist adding: ‘This Scotland squad is probably the strongest I can remember.’