England train at Twickenham watched by 15,000
Friday 29 January 2016 16:05, UK
Over 15,000 people turned up to Twickenham on Friday to watch England train ahead of next week's Six Nations opener against Scotland.
Organisers had originally issued 10,000 tickets for the open training session but the huge demand meant the Rugby Football Union had to issue an extra 5,000 on the day.
The Scotland match, at Murrayfield, will be the first in the reign of new England coach Eddie Jones.
The Australian was appointed in place of Stuart Lancaster after England's hugely disappointing World Cup campaign on home soil last year.
Jones was previously coach of Japan, and guided them to three victories at the World Cup, most notably a stunning victory over South Africa.
Jones made his name by guiding Australia to the final of the 2003 World Cup in his homeland where the Wallabies lost to England, Jonny Wilkinson kicking the winning drop goal in the last minute of extra-time.
England defence coach Paul Gustard told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's a great chance to re-engage with our fantastic support. To get 15,000 here, more than all-bar-one of the Premiership teams [Leicester Tigers] get…it's a really humbling experience and great for the community."
Gustard is expecting a tough match on February 6 against a Scotland team which was a whisker away from reaching the World Cup semi-finals.
"Scotland are a very well coached team," he said. "Their set-piece has improved immeasurably over the last two or three seasons. On top of that the half-backs are dangerous - they've got a nice combination there.
"They've got two strong centres so they've got threats all over the pitch. At Murrayfield, against England, there will be huge emotion as well."
Northampton lock Courtney Lawes was unable to take part in the training session due to a tight hamstring, but Gustard has said he'll be fit to face Scotland.
