Robinson - feared by the Scots.

By Neal Collins

Guess who paid this glowing tribute to England wing Jason Robinson before Saturday's Calcutta Cup Six Nations clash against Scotland at Twickenham?

"Jason's a player I'd have on the team-sheet every single week. He's an outstanding player, an outstanding talent and he showed that last week for the club - I think it's a dangerous thing to doubt someone like him.

"He's dangerous in broken play and when he gets the ball one-on-one. He has the ability to beat players in small areas. "Wherever he plays in the back three he'll always be a threat. They have got Josh Lewsey at 15 and Ben Cohen back in so it's a very dangerous back three, so it's going to be tough.

"Jason's still only a young guy. He's a nice man, with a good bubbly character that a lot of people will never see. "He has an ability to beat people, he's got great acceleration and he's exceptionally strong for someone who is not a big, bulky guy.

"He's an exceptional player and England have a lot of good players, so there's a lot of danger there, but Jason is a threat whenever he gets the ball in his hands."

England coach Clive Woodward didn't say it. Nor did his fit-again skipper Martin Johnson. And no, it wasn't any of those numerous ex-England players who like to talk up the current crop. And it wasn't that usually nasty Will Carling either.

You have been reading the views of Scotland captain Bryan Redpath, who is also Robinson's Sale Sharks team-mate.

Last year, in case our Scottish neighbours need reminding, Robinson scored twice in a record 29-3 victory at Murrayfield.

And this year, after much discussion, Robinson is back on the wing, where most feel the former Wigan Rugby League star belongs.

It was on the wing, on the Lions tour of Australia in 2001, that Robinson first came to prominence. And only injuries to Iain Balshaw and Matt Perry forced him in to England's No 15 jersey.

Now, with Wasps' Josh Lewsey looking comfortable in the full back role, Robinson gets the chance to display his talents.

In fact, the whole Calcutta Cup game has been given a lift by Robinson's switch, not to mention the return of old warhorses Paul Grayson at stand-by stand-off and Jason "What's a hamstring?" Leonard.

And let's not forget, the old Richard Hill, Lawrence Dallaglio, Neil Back loose trio are back as a package too. So what price a Scotland shock?

Hmm. Even David Sole, the grimly optimistic former Scotland captain, accepts; "To win at Twickenham, some of the Scottish squad are going to have to play at a level they have never reached before. There are a few experienced players in the side, a few British Lions, but for most it will be a massive test. You never say never but it will probably require a gargantuan Scottish display combined with a poor English one.

"I just hope lots of Scots have been to the Kirk (church) this week as some divine intervention may well be necessary."

Personally, I hope England wallop the Scots... but only so it sets up the Grand Slam decider against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday, March 30.

I mean, Ireland can't possibly slip up in their penultimate game against wooden-spoon experts Wales at the Millennium Stadium.... can they?