England’s newest Murrayfield nightmare left extra questions than solutions as Scotland reclaimed the Calcutta Cup with a powerful Six Nations victory. Sky Sports activities examines the place all of it went mistaken as their 12-game profitable streak got here to a shuddering halt.
Ailing-discipline proves pricey
England spent 30 of the opening 58 minutes all the way down to 14 males after Henry Arundell adopted an early sin‑bin for failing to launch within the sort out with a 20‑minute crimson card for making contact with Kyle Steyn within the air.
Referee Nika Amashukeli’s second resolution left England with little room for grievance, given how clear the protocol is round challenges within the air.
There could also be some debate over how shortly the Georgian official produced the primary yellow, however the reckless manner Arundell collided with an opponent whereas already on a card was indefensible.
Steve Borthwick, in sometimes diplomatic vogue, refused to be drawn on both resolution however was left with no room however to concede how influential Arundell’s a number of dismissals had been.
“Clearly, playing such a huge part of the game without a winger against a team that was moving the ball to that edge so much, that hurt us and ultimately gave us too much to do in the second half,” the England head coach stated.
The Murrayfield impact
England had swept apart allcomers over the previous yr – New Zealand, France, Argentina amongst them – however arrived in Edinburgh dealing with a real litmus take a look at of their progress.
Murrayfield, the house of their oldest rivals, has been their least glad looking floor for a decade, and nothing about this go to instructed that run was about to vary any time quickly.
A beforehand swashbuckling England froze below Scotland’s early onslaught. Errors compounded, a baying Murrayfield smelt blood, and Scotland went in for the kill.
The numbers inform their very own story: Scotland have now 5 of the final six Calcutta Cup matches at dwelling, and 7 of the final 9.
Ellis Genge’s spill gifted a 3rd Scotland attempt to Ben White
Russell a grasp at work
Fly-half Finn Russell proved a grasp at work, conducting his backline to 2 fabulous first-phase tries, creating one other for Ben White – helped by Ellis Genge’s essential mistake – and kicked off the tee like a dream, touchdown all 5 from all angles.
Head coach Gregor Townsend picked Russell out for particular consideration in his post-match ideas. “The decision-making around the half-backs was outstanding. It was one of Finn Russell’s best performances for Scotland.
“It is fairly emotional. I am simply so happy with the best way we performed tonight. The primary 20 minutes was a number of the finest rugby we have ever performed.”
The maverick fly-half firmly proved himself one of the world’s best as the British and Irish Lions’ Test playmaker in the 2-1 series win over Australia in the summer, and he was purring on Saturday in Edinburgh with England simply unable to quell his influence.
Finn Russell proved very good as Scotland outplayed England in all of the sides which matter
Scotland finest England statistically
In some senses this was a weird Check the place all the things landed for Scotland, each in assault and by way of last-ditch defence, and little or no got here off for England.
But, to merely describe it as that might do a disservice to the very fact Scotland’s assault proved distinctive when it wanted to, whereas England considerably underperformed.
Just one England ahead made carries into double figures, Ben Earl, whereas the guests shipped a colossal 18 turnovers in comparison with Scotland’s paltry 5. Not solely had been England bested on the breakdown, they made so many knock-on errors, each compelled and unforced.
Scotland gained extra metres within the Check, made twice the road breaks of England (10 vs 5) and beat 25 defenders in comparison with England’s 19. Defensively, Scotland’s sort out completion charge was additionally higher than England at 90 per cent versus 83 per cent.
England dominated Scotland’s scrum, however actually didn’t achieve an edge in some other space on the day as the house facet’s lineout held agency too.
Sione Tuipulotu lifts the Calcutta Cup after Scotland defeat England 31-20 at Murrayfield
England at all times taking part in catch-up
It could sound unusual given the one‑sided closing rating, however when England assessment the tapes of this newest Murrayfield ordeal, they might properly discover proof of a missed alternative.
They loved the lion’s share of possession, territory, attacking minutes and, crucially, clear dominance on the scrum – but failed to show any of it into significant scoreboard stress.
That wastefulness was compounded by Scotland’s knack for swinging momentum at precisely the suitable moments.
Ben White’s attempt got here simply as Arundell had given England a flicker of hope. Matt Fagerson’s cost‑down on George Ford and help for Huw Jones delivered one other decisive blow.
It in the end created a ten‑level swing that England by no means recovered from, even after returning to fifteen‑a‑facet a couple of minutes later.
What’s subsequent?
Scotland look to observe up their victory after they journey to Wales within the third spherical of the Six Nations on February 21 at 4.40pm. England will try to bounce again after they host Eire at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on February 21 at 2.10pm.
