Six Nations tension: Scotland captain makes raw admission before historic rivalry
The stakes could not be higher for the hosts as they look to salvage their Six Nations campaign against their oldest rivals.
Sione Tuipulotu has described his side as a "desperate team" as he issued a rallying cry to supporters ahead of the high-stakes Calcutta Cup meeting with England at Murrayfield.
The Glasgow Warriors centre is clearly still reeling from the nightmare start to the championship in Rome last weekend.
Italy outsmarted the visitors at a sodden Stadio Olimpico to claim a deserved victory, leaving the Scots’ title hopes hanging by a thread.
The 29-year-old struck a defiant figure during his pre-match media conference, avoiding the usual platitudes often heard when backs are firmly against the wall.
Honesty amidst the storm
Tuipulotu pulled no punches regarding how difficult the week has been following the defeat to the Azzurri.
He acknowledged that a reaction is non-negotiable against their southern neighbours on Saturday as their campaign dangles on a cliff edge.
Despite a run of damaging results, the midfielder insisted that belief and confidence remain intact within the camp.
He also offered a stinging response to media coverage he feels has been excessively critical of the squad and head coach Gregor Townsend.
Rallying the weary faithful
Tension currently surrounds the national set-up as they attempt to salvage their season.
To turn the situation around, the skipper believes the players must reconnect with a fanbase that has grown increasingly sceptical.
"It’s obviously a game that means a lot to the country, and one that we really lean into," said Tuipulotu.
"Ever since I arrived in Scotland, I know this is the biggest fixture of the year for everyone, for the supporters especially."
He emphasised that the squad must deliver a performance primarily for those in the stands.
"That’s my main message – although the last three or four games have been really tough for especially us, there’s a lot of supporters that haven’t quit on us. They’re the ones that we’re going to go out there and do it for."
Sione Tuipulotu, Scotland Captain
Facing an in-form enemy
While the hosts are searching for answers, Steve Borthwick’s side arrive in Edinburgh with the wind in their sails.
The visitors are currently riding the momentum of a formidable 12-game winning streak.
England have begun to rebuild an aura of invincibility that had been lacking in their performances in recent years.
Tuipulotu drew parallels between his side’s current predicament and the struggles their opponents faced not long ago, noting how quickly fortunes can change in international rugby.