FINN RUSSELL DELIVERED a decisive and redemptive performance as Scotland stunned a sloppy England 25-13 at Murrayfield to end Grand Slam hopes for Eddie Jones’ side.
Calcutta Cup clashes between these sides have been typically one sided in favour of the English, and the Scots came into the contest smarting from a 61-21 demolition at Twickenham last year — a victory which saw England match the All Blacks’ world-record winning run.
And though England were a shadow of that in Edinburgh on Saturday, Scotland were infinitely improved, displaying the pulsating ball-carrying tactics that Gregor Townsend’s men had been tipped to thrill us with in this Six Nations.
Scotland had not scored a Six Nations try against England at Murrayfield in 14 years, but they had three by the end of a stunning first half — Huw Jones twice touching down either side of a Sean Maitland score that Russell played the central role in.
Russell was hauled off a fortnight ago against France after an error-strewn display but he knitted together Scotland’s attack in this contest, vindicating Townsend’s faith.
The visitors roared out after the interval, knowing Ireland had beaten Wales earlier in the day and secured a bonus point, but could not add to Owen Farrell’s touchdown and now face a daunting trip to Paris on 10 March, while Scotland will hope to maintain form and blow the competition wide open when they head to Dublin on the same day.
Reports of a bust-up in the tunnel filtered through before kick-off and the contest began at a suitably furious pace, with Greig Laidlaw and Farrell trading penalties, but Scotland forged ahead amid the chaos.
Russell had been so pilloried a fortnight previously, but he got away a grubber as Farrell charged in, which Jones prodded beyond the wrong-footed Anthony Watson and dotted down.
Farrell immediately cut the deficit, but England were poor with ball in hand and Scotland made them pay with a spectacular score.
Again, Russell’s fingerprints were present. A long floated pass teased would-be interceptors on its way to Jones, who charged half the length of the field and another beautiful ball by the fly-half found Maitland with the room to touch down under duress, with Laidlaw unable to convert from the touchline.
The Scotland of pre-tournament speculation had arrived and Jones extended the lead further with another score, dashing between Farrell and Nathan Hughes, before powering over the line with Watson and Mike Brown hanging from him, a 16-point half-time advantage secured by Laidlaw’s boot.
So often England’s inspiration, Farrell provided the fast start to the second half they needed, skirting around Grant Gilchrist as the lock was caught narrow and converting his own score.
Nigel Owens called Danny Care back as the scrum-half raced clear on an intercept — Stuart Hogg missing a consequent long-range penalty — and England were denied again when Farrell raced through to touch down, only for the try to be ruled out by the TMO for a knock-on as Courtney Lawes rocked John Barclay with the tackle which forced the ball loose.
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Fantastic result. Scots were always going to catch out some complacent team. Luckily now, it shouldn’t be us
Delighted for England. Finally caught out. As tomas o Leary said ” most overrated team”
Barcley was world class in this game. MOTM without question in my mind, don’t know how Russell got it. England showed they can be very average when under pressure, Scotland are a huge threat to us but at least we are aware of it now. Big game in two weeks time.
@Dave Barry: I agree that Barclay was motm, but I think it was that Russell played so badly the last two times out and got slated so it was kind of a narrative thing..
How’s that for you Eddie?
If we beat Scotland with a BP, then England will be lining up in the Stade de France knowing they need a BP or we win the championship! Obviously if Scotland play like that, it won’t happen. And the French are bloody unpredictable. But it’s on.
@Conor Paddington: bonus point could happen I still think we are better than Scotland and home advantage is massive.
Will be interesting to see if today’s win takes it toll on Scotland emotionally. It could be difficult for them to get back up to the same levels of intensity again in 2 weeks.
Especially away from home.
There won’t be a sheep shagged in Scotland for the weekend. Great watching though, England had nothing
@Henry Suva: no pulling the wool over your eyes Henry
Noice.
Fair play Scotland. Didn’t see that coming at all. Scotland are a different animal in Murrayfield.
@EK: then you obviously didn’t see Scotland play against NZ in the autumn. They were excellent then and were able to repeat it yesterday.
The English arrogance especially by the print media was at an all time high. England were simply expected to show up and walk all over Scotland. This obviously filtered through to the players. They have never been as sloppy as this since Eddie Jones took over. I think he needs to re-think his “penalties are okay” philosophy.
The good news is that it sets Ireland up perfectly to win the championship in Dublin before they go to Paris should England not get a BP. Scotland are not the same team away from Murrayfield. In fact the st paddy day decider could be a role reversal of the 2017 version. Although with the resilience this Ireland team are showing right now, I fully expect the Grand Slam
@munsterbhoy: In fairness, if you read the comments section here 2 weeks ago, people were unfairly slating Scotland for one bad performance. At least we’ve been warned. Last year should be enough of a warning anyway!
What are the cheapest Twickenham tickets
@Ollie Watson: 5k
@Range Rover: probably is
We eating good tonight
Scotland won without a decent lineout and with a scrum under considerable pressure. England were too complacent and by the time they woke up they had to chase which made them desperate
Engerland wilted under the Scots pressure. Thought the standard from both sides was poor. England lost their heads and had no plan b. They didn’t resource the rucks enough resulting in multiple turnovers that destroyed any go forward momentum they had. Which won the game for Scotland.
Equally while the Scots kept pressing they didn’t look a major force either. Really feel it was the English being poor and not having any cohesiveness that made Scotland look good. At times Scotland were all over the place structure wise. It was great watching Eddie’s eat humble pie in the post match interview!!!