Max Malins talks ahead of Scotland clash

England winger Max Malins has opened up about the expectations in the England squad regarding the expectant atmosphere at Murrayfield when they take on Scotland in the first round of the 2022 Six Nations this weekend. 

Malins, who has only 10 caps under his belt, is still a junior player in the squad and described how the conversations have been a learning curve for him and the other rookies. 

"Last week a few blokes shared their experiences of travelling to away games and to Murrayfield in particular," Malins said, talking to skysports.com. 

"They spoke about how it's a hostile crowd as soon as you get off the bus and that even when you're on the bus you can feel it. 

"When you're walking into the changing rooms you'll get whatever chat, so you have to be ready for that. It's got to be water off a duck's back. 

"It's important for those who haven't played there to have an idea of what's coming in those environments. 

"Of course we want to focus on ourselves, but we don't want to be overcome by the whole occasion of it. 

"It's important to get an idea of what we're going into, not to freeze us up or create fear but to actually create excitement around the group. 

"We want to set our stall out and our body language is going to prove that we're ready for them as soon as we step off that bus. 

"You don't want to be overcome by the situation and everyone will react differently to it, but as a whole we'll come together. We've created a united group here so we'll stand together and walk in together. 

"Scotland is usually a tight game. Feisty as well. It's always a battle so to play in this fixture would be incredible. I can't wait if I get the chance," he said. 

"You don't take any atmosphere personally. On the day I listen to it and sort of enjoy it. It's why we like playing the game, these are the experiences you want. 

"I remember playing at Gloucester in one of my first Premiership games. I was on the bench and as we went to warm up behind the dead-ball area, people were ramming things into the hoardings and chucking beer. I was thinking 'what's going on here?'. 

"And then there's The Shed....every high ball that goes up you hear it. It was a fascinating early insight into what it can be like playing away from home. 

"There will always be noise, but as soon as you start thinking about external factors or pressures that's when you don't start thinking about your job."