Cotter wary of Jones' mind games

England will be aiming to beat Scotland for the eighth straight year when Rugby Union's oldest international rivals meet at Murrayfield on February 6.

But Jones said the fact England had failed to get out of their pool at last year's World Cup, whereas Scotland were a mistaken penalty decision away from a place in the semifinals, meant the home side were the form nation in Europe.

"I don't know how Eddie works that out. It's just a psychological lever that he's trying to use, to take the pressure off himself," Cotter said at the Six Nations launch in London.

"I gather that England are still ranked ahead of us by World Rugby. I didn't think England would need that, I thought they would be comfortable with the favourites' tag," the New Zealander added.

But the same event saw Jones warming to his theme.

"Remember that photo that was sent around during the World Cup? It was of an English gentleman trying to get out of the pool and he couldn't do it," Jones said.

"Well Scotland made it out of the pool and nearly got to the semi-final. The difference in performance at the World Cup was enormous," the former Australia and Japan boss added.

"Both teams will have had two weeks to prepare so the advantage that Scotland has is massive, but they have to carry that pressure of favouritism which is something they probably aren't used to."

Agence France-Presse