Scotland retains Calcutta Cup with 6 Nations win vs England

At Scottish Gas Murrayfield, a tale of redemption and determination unfolded as Scotland secured a sensational 30-21 victory over England in the 2024 Six Nations, retaining the Calcutta Cup and marking a fourth consecutive win over their historic rivals.

An eneven start for England

The match started with high hopes for England. Coach Steve Borthwick's acknowledgement of Scotland's strong performance contrasted with his candid admittance of England's shortcomings. "We're an England team which is trying to develop," said Borthwick. Despite some bright moments, too many handling errors and turnovers made victory an uphill battle for his side.

Scotland's spirit

From the whistle, Scotland demonstrated why they are a team to be reckoned with. Duhan van der Merwe, the hat-trick hero, was the embodiment of Scottish grit. "I'm buzzing," he told BBC Sport, reflecting the euphoria of a player who had just realized a personal dream and contributed immeasurably to his team's success.

A dynamic contest

The game was a dynamic contest of shifting momentum. Scotland's Charles Ollivon and Finn Russell, alongside van der Merwe, showed the world-class qualities that have become synonymous with Scottish rugby. For England, Jamie George's leadership was tested as his team fought to stay within reach, buoyed by a strong first 20 minutes that ultimately proved insufficient against the Scots' onslaught.

Turning points

The match was marked by turning points and missed chances. England's flashes of brilliance were outshone by Scotland's relentless pressure, resulting in crucial turnovers and penalties that tipped the scales in favor of the hosts. Each Scottish try was a dagger to English hopes, with van der Merwe's third try - an extraordinary sprint to the line - sealing the deal for Scotland.

Reactions

Reflecting on the match, England captain Jamie George remarked on the initial promise shown by his team, "A lot of what we did was good, but we just can’t hand the ball over to a team like that." England's errors were indeed costly, allowing Scotland to capitalize and extend their lead through Russell's precise kicking and tactical play.

For Scotland, the victory was a testament to their progress and ambition. Van der Merwe's post-match exhilaration was shared by the entire team, echoing a sentiment of pride and the sense of a journey on the upward trajectory.

As the final whistle blew, the scoreline read Scotland 30, England 21. It was a match that encapsulated the spirit of rugby: unpredictable, full of passion, and a testament to the skill of both teams. Despite England's disappointment, the promise of development and growth remains, with eyes now turning to the next challenge against Ireland.

Scotland's victory over England was not just a triumph but a celebration of rugby's enduring ability to bring excitement, challenge, and moments of sheer joy to fans and players alike. The Calcutta Cup stays in Scottish hands, a symbol of their determination and skill, as the Six Nations continues to deliver the very best of international rugby competition.

England vs Ireland

With this result England is now in third place. With two matches to go it looks unlikely they will get past Ireland, who have won all their matches so far. England rugby tickets for their match against Ireland are very popular at the moment, it's England's last straw to stand any chance of winning the tournament this year.