Captain’s role has to be earned, says coach Johnson

Scott Johnson names his first Scotland team to face England today with Kelly Brown’s new-found status as captain by no means set in stone.

The 30-year-old Saracens back-row forward has been handed the honour of leading out the Dark Blues for their Calcutta Cup clash with England at Twickenham.

But interim Scotland head coach Johnson refused to confirm whether he will continue in the role for the whole of the championships.

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The Australian said: “Kelly’s the captain of the squad as it stands at the moment. But he is like all of our players, he has to warrant selection on his form first and foremost.

“He’s a leader and we expect that on the pitch, but it’s down to him to perform as well as the others. I don’t want to hear his words. It’s about deeds and actions. That goes for every one of the 23 that we have selected.

“If their best is not good enough, that’s fine, but let’s start putting our heart and soul out there.”

Brown insists he has no problem with the caretaker boss’s straightforward approach.

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He said: “Scott is very, very honest. He is up front and has told us that if we have a problem with him, go and speak to him about it. We’re very open in the group and that will hold us in good stead.”

Shaun Edwards has insisted that any personal disappointment at missing out on this year’s British and Irish Lions tour will be shelved in the pursuit of another Six Nations title.

Wales defence coach Edwards was a surprise omission from the Lions coaching staff for this summer’s three-Test Australia tour.

Lions boss Warren Gatland, Edwards’s long-time coaching mentor at club and international level, has described last month’s decision not to take his ex-Wasps and current Wales colleague Down Under as “agonising” and “difficult”.

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“Obviously, everyone wants to go on a Lions tour, as a player and as a coach,” said Edwards.

“But the decision has been made. ‘Gats’ has made his decision, and obviously I am abiding by it.”

Rotherham Titans have rearranged their remaining British and Irish Cup fixture with Welsh outfit Aberavon to Saturday, February 23, at Clifton Lane. The club will not be appealing against the result or the officiating during their narrow defeat at Jersey last Saturday.