DOUGIE HALL is planning an opening-day mission possible to detonate England's RBS Six Nations dreams.

Scotland travel to Twickenham a week today more in hope than expectation after a winter of upheaval that saw coach Andy Robinson replaced by tough-talking Aussie Scott Johnson.

Scotland have not won at English Rugby's HQ since 1983, but hooker Hall believes Johnson's new model tartan army – the bulk of which comes from Glasgow Warriors – can surprise Stuart Lancaster's men.

The English are on the crest of a wave of expectancy following a success aginst reigning world champions New Zealand in their final Autumn Test two months ago. Hall reckons that could provide a case of English arrogance that would allow the Scots to end 30 years of pain down south and get their campaign off to a flyer.

The Glasgow front row said: "I know people are saying this is a tough one for us and that it is a helluva start to the RBS Six Nations, but I think it is the best time to get them.

"The whole of English rugby is on a high after their win against New Zealand, and despite what they may say in public they will be confident they can put us away and get off to a dream start with the Calcutta Cup in their grasp.

"But we will go down there with a good few young lads coming through who the English are not well acquainted with.

"And with Johnnie Beattie back and I see no reason we can't get the win. The turnaround in the Six Nations is so quick that if you don't get off to a winning start you are behind the eight ball immediately.

"But I think we have a real chance of winning."

The fact the 32-year-old Hall has seen and done it all with Glasgow and Scotland, but the prospect of the opening game of the Six Nations still excites him.

Hall said: "The Six Nations is the greatest international tournament. With the improvement in the Italians there is no easy match in there.

"So week on week you are having to produce your best. That is the target for next Saturday and if everyone plays well we definitely have a chance of getting off to the start we want."