Scotland hope to keep their eye on the rugby rather than tennis ball on Sunday

Scotland defence coach Graham Steadman says keeping creative players like Chris Ashton quiet is the secret to defeating England on Sunday.

Northampton wing Ashton's tries have been instrumental in keeping England on course for a Six Nations Grand Slam.

"Ashton's on six at present - I'd like to think it will stay at that," said Steadman ahead of the Twickenham game.

"He can do what he wants against Ireland, but I'd like to think it won't happen against Scotland."

England's back three of former Wigan rugby league man Ashton, Ben Foden and Mark Cueto are just a few of the players Steadman earmarked as capable of punishing Scotland.

"They're playing with a lot of confidence," said Steadman. "They've got strike players right across the park.

"Any broken field situation, if we're not well organised, they will cause us problems."

We've maybe been guilty of over-playing in that middle third Scotland defence coach Graham Steadman

Scotland conceded tries in the opening 10 minutes of losses to France, Wales and Ireland.

Steadman attributed the poor defensive displays in the tournament thus far to a failure to respond quickly to losses of possession and believes a tighter game plan might benefit the side this weekend.

Scotland made seven changes following the loss to Wales for the clash with Ireland and put on an improved display.

But head coach Andy Robinson, Steadman and attack coach Gregor Townsend will likely make further changes for Sunday's game.

The team announced on Wednesday could see the more experienced Dan Parks recalled at fly-half in place of Ruaridh Jackson, while centre Joe Ansbro and full-back Hugo Southwell are fit again after missing the Ireland match.

Winning possession has been problematic for Scotland, so changes can be expected in the forwards too.

"We've got to show a lot more patience in possession and apply a lot more pressure on the opposition," said Steadman.

"We've maybe been guilty of over-playing in that middle third.

"At times, we're a little bit guilty of throwing the 50-50 ball and the opposition pick up the ball and, off the back of that, they either kick in behind us and apply pressure in field position, or they'll play with ball in hand as the French did and punish us.

"We've got to be a bit smarter with the ball in hand."

Steadman hopes that Scotland, who are searching for their first win in the tournament, can seize on any complacency within the England camp to claim a first win in west London since 1983.

"Will they treat us with the respect we deserve?" asked the Scotland coach. "I'd have to question that.

"I'm sure they will have one eye on the Grand Slam and the bigger picture for them, I dare say, will be the fixture against Ireland over in Dublin.

"They will see that as a bigger challenge than the challenge they're going to be facing this weekend.

"I know what these players are capable of here. We've seen glimpses in the last three internationals that we are capable of doing it.

"What we've got to do now is put a sustained performance in where we're going to apply a lot of pressure on the opposition and if we can do that we could turn this form book upside down.

"It's now time to deliver. We can do all the talking, but it's all about the actions now and we've got to get out there and do it."

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