George Graham was real power of Scotland

Mar 11 2008 Western Mail

ALASDAIR STROKOSCH has revealed the part played by relentless forwards coach George Graham in Scotland’s shock Calcutta Cup win over England.

The Scotland pack began the RBS 6 Nations with a lacklustre performance against France and though they improved against Wales and Ireland, it was not enough to stave off defeat.

However, they took full advantage of the wet and windy conditions at Murrayfield on Saturday to eclipse an England pack fresh from mauling France in Paris.

Flanker Strokosch, who won his third cap in the 15-9 victory, revealed the forwards had endured a heavy training programme prior to the game.

He said: “It was very physical last week. The forwards got through a lot of work on the Monday and Tuesday.

“By Wednesday afternoon I think everyone was pretty knackered and sometimes that’s maybe what you have to do to get mentally prepared.

“You’re not going to make many physical changes in a week but if you go through it, you mentally know what to expect on a Saturday.

“George really put us through our paces. I think he would have pulled his boots on and played if he could. He was well up for it.”

Strokosch, a former national karate champion, believes playing in the Guinness Premiership with Gloucester helped to avoid the fear factor of the England pack among the Scotland forwards.

The 25-year-old former Edinburgh star said: “We wanted to dominate England and we knew we could do it because the boys had done so two years ago.

“It probably helped that people like Jason (White) and myself play down there and play against these guys every week so there wasn’t an unknown factor.

“We’ve not all of a sudden turned into the best team in the world from one win but it is a win nonetheless and it’s one we can build on. It was a great feeling in the changing room afterwards, especially with what has gone on this season.

“We know we haven’t played well and have taken a lot of criticism so to finally get a win, especially at home against England, is a relief and everyone is delighted to have played well.

“Scott MacLeod and Craig Smith (who were in the squad in 2006) are saying they have never lost to England and I suppose I’m in the same boat now!

“I’ll be showing the boys at Gloucester the photos of the cup when I get back down there!”