England regain Calcutta cup after two years with a 13-6 win over brave Scotland side.
The first half was very much a game of three teams, England, Scotland, and the hectic Highland winds which came out on top.
Both teams struggled to gain any sort of momentum and it was probably Scotland who had the better chances of the half. A 15-phase attack broke down early at the hands of England’s solid defence. A maul at Scotland’s 5-meter line also shut down by England’s dominant defence.
England skipper Owen Farrell proved the wind was a real problem with a missed penalty in the 9th minute. He then capitalised 2 mins later with a successful 3-point kick.
The wind then really took its toll on this Calcutta cup match. A barrage of swirling kicks and a missed penalty from Farrell in the 26th minute took the teams in at 0-3 at the halfway point.
With the wind only getting stronger both teams would have to change the tactics in the second half but nothing much seemed to change.
Scotland gave England a real scare at the start of the first half with Rory Sutherland almost breaking the final line. Eddie Jones men defended bravely but Scotland earned a penalty and levelled the game.
The first 10 minutes of the half was all Scotland. They kept coming at England, but the white wall stood strong.
The game then continued in a scrappy manner and it became evident that it would be a one score match. Farrell missed his chance to edge his team head in the 65th minute with another missed penalty.
Following his horrific mistake last week, Scotland captain Stuart Hogg makes a catastrophic error again Gifting England with a 5-meter scrum. Ellis Genge powered the ball over the line to finally get the breakthrough.
Farrell converted the penalty and took his men into the last 10 minutes 10-3 ahead.
England dominated the last 10 minutes and gained another penalty which was successfully kicked by Farrell.
Scotland kicked a late penalty for 3 but the game finished with England the winners
Although the match did not live up to the heroics of the 38-38 draw last year at Twickenham this win was crucial for England. The win keeps England’s 6-nation hopes alive.
