England have regained the Calcutta Cup for the first time since 2020 after Finn Russell missed a late conversion to give the Red Roses a 16-15 win at Twickenham.
It was a pulsating start to the game as each side scored a try in the opening 10 minutes. Scotland drew first blood as Ben White got on the end of a glittering Scottish attack with Finn Russell pulling the strings but missing the conversion.
England were quick to reply however and Tommy Freeman was on hand to smash over for a try after a sustained period of pressure on the Scottish try line. With Marcus Smith notching over the conversion his along with Fin Smith's boot would play a crucial role in the result.
However Scotland scored yet another beautiful try as Duhan van der Merwe looked imperious as England couldn't prevent him offloading to centre Huw Jones for another unconverted try as Scotland went into the break with a 10-7 lead.
Beeaaautiful from @Scotlandteam 😍#GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/AeCxcKGY48
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 22, 2025
As exciting as the first half was the second half was equally as dull as the contest became more of an arm wrestle. Scotland did look the more likely of the two to do something but their accuracy left a lot to be desired at crucial points. England however were still in the fight and off the back of a dominant set piece and dominating the gainline with their pack, they got into position for Marcus Smith to slot over two penalties to give England the lead before Fin Smith smashed over another penalty from 50 metres as England had a 6-point lead heading into the final stages.
Proud Parents 🥹♥️#GuinnessM6N @EnglandRugby pic.twitter.com/IHBebQEXtY
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 22, 2025
That's when Scotland turned it on and after a Joe Schmidt-esque move around the ruck put Stafford McDowell through and Duhan van der Merwe was on hand to walk in the corner as Scotland were one kick away from another famous win at Twickenham.
But unfortunately for Scotland Finn Russell missed a third conversion, with all three coming from near identical spots on the same side of the field as England came away with another unlikely win in this year's Six Nations.
"I Had To Smash Three Espressos:" Jamie Heaslip Less Than Impressed With England's Attack
England under Steve Borthwick can be characterised by one thing, kicking. From their leathering at the World Cup to this latest Calcutta Cup victory, England look to kick the ball as much as possible, to the dismay of many fans and pundits, especially with the exciting backline England have on offer.
Former Ireland and Lions number 8 Jamie Heaslip was ruthless in his analysis of England's second half performance after their win against Scotland. Speaking in the RTÉ studio Heaslip said he was physically bored by their display and felt Scotland were hard done by considering the quality of their attack.
But they were the only ones who brought energy to this. Like I felt like I had to smash two or three espressos there in the second half, I was falling asleep watching England being just really boring.
But it does highlight for Scotland, unfortunately is a lack of efficiency with the ball. They had more carries, more metres made, more metres with the ball, but they couldn't get the return.
Stephen Ferris joined in Jamie Heaslip's sentiment in the RTÉ studio and added that England's style of play won't win many fans even though it may be winning matches.
You could hear the boos ringing around the Allianz Stadium. The fans are going to be walking out and they'd be going "Jee, we got away with that one. Scotland were half decent today. We weren't particularly good." They'll not be happy.
It wasn't just the crew in the RTÉ studio that weren't happy with England's lack of ambition but former England out-half Andy Goode also echoed their frustration.
Great to get the win for England, I genuinely think there’s an exciting team in that squad being held back by Steve Borthwick and the inexperienced coaching team
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) February 22, 2025
After two wins in-a-row England go into the second fallow week in good stead to compete for the Six Nations title. They have a resurgent Wales and Italy left to play so if Ireland are to fall to France, they could be in prime position to swoop in and take top spot from the Irish.
Steve Borthwick is far from a popular figure in England at the moment even with these last two victories. It's hard to see him winning. over his haters anytime soon but in a results business, he's brought two huge wins for England in recent weeks. But can England really build off performances like these?
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