There was clearly some needle in the clash between England and Wales last Friday in Cardiff as Chris Robshaw stood and waited in the tunnel before entering the Millennium Stadium.
The painful reminder of what happened to England two years previously obviously was front of mind and so they were not about to be intimidated by a vociferous home crowd.
Today Scotland would do well to draw on some of the pain that Wales inflicted on them 12 months ago in Cardiff as England did last week in the opening match.
It was a horrible afternoon as Scotland were reduced to 14 men when Stuart Hogg was sent off and the visitors conceded seven tries in a 51-3 defeat.
It was humbling for Scotland. It is time for payback.
Cotter has not tinkered with his team his only changes being enforced by injury and unavailability which is good.
It is a vote of confidence and if Scotland can cut out the silly penalties then that will go a long way to helping them put pressure on Wales.
With one of the world’s most reliable goal-kickers in Leigh Halfpenny playing today, penalties could be crucial.
Wales looked quite one-dimensional against the English. They tended to use their battering rams to come down the middle channel and attack the fly-half.
George Ford stood up to this well last week and if Finn Russell can cope with Bastareaud then I’m sure he will be able to cope with Jamie Roberts.
Wales also rely on retaining possession and playing through the phases it will therefore be interesting to see whether Scotland attack the breakdowns or stand off and focus on the next phase of defence.
The Scottish defence was very sound against France and they will need similar steely resolve this afternoon.
What was more encouraging was the attacking flair that Scotland showed last weekend they scored the only try of the match and created opportunities to score others, so Wales will have to be on their toes.
As ever, much will depend on which side wins the battle up front.
The Scottish lineout is becoming a real force although the scrum does continue to creak from time to time. But it is the breakdown where the match may be decided.
Sam Warburton is a power in this phase of play and Blair Cowan will have a real task on his hand to match the Welsh skipper.
Cowan will need support from the rest of the back five if Scotland are to have an edge here, which means big games for Beattie and Gray Snr.
It promises to be an intriguing match with scores to be settled after last year I think it will be tight but a good day for the home team.
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