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Key occasions
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Full-time! Scotland 31-20 England
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TRY! Scotland 31-20 England (Earl, 78)
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TRY! Scotland 31-13 England (Jones, 53)
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Penalty! Scotland 24-13 England (Ford, 45)
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Half-time: Scotland 24-10 England
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Crimson card for Arundell! 38 min
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TRY! Scotland 24-10 England (White, 27)
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Penalty! Scotland 17-10 England (Ford, 26)
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TRY! Scotland 17-7 Scotland (Arundell, 22)
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TRY! Scotland 17-0 England (Ritchie, 14)
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TRY! Scotland 10-0 England (Jones, 10)
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Yellow card, England! Arundell, 9
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Penalty! Scotland 3-0 England (Russell, 5)
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The groups
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Preamble
Some extra correspondence [keep em coming by the way]:
Phillip Haran:
Hello Daniel, Scotland have received their grand slam in beating England – nothing else issues.
No English participant stopped the sport to say kicking to them is a mistake, they love damaged play. Their scrum is common however their backs are world class so why invite them onto to you with Russell enjoying brilliantly. Incapacity to vary techniques and an impressed Scotland price England that recreation.
Man Hornsby:
I assume that’s the ten% that smacked us up. We’re a stable workforce however we misplaced to the higher workforce as we speak. It’s most likely not a nasty factor in the long term. Very common from a whole lot of gamers however we’d absolutely be higher with freeman on the wing and Lawrence at 13.
M Hammond:
Rugby legal guidelines are a farce. Arundell’s first yellow was plain unsuitable. He clearly launched within the deal with and received to his toes earlier than difficult. His second yellow completely questionable-he received kneed within the face while his eyes had been on the ball. Very similar to Eire’s scrum half getting carded for getting head butted earlier as we speak. The lawmakers want to have a look within the mirror.
Right here’s Maro Itoje:
It was a troublesome recreation. There have been pivotal moments that received away from us. We simply must take a tough take a look at the sport and reassess to return again higher subsequent week.
Within the first 20 minutes we’ve away a few penalties and subject place. After we received into their facet of the pitch we didn’t convert. That’s the character of the beast. All groups are good within the Six Nations.
We have to begin effectively [next week] with accuracy and precision, which we didn’t do right here.
They play Eire. Onerous to foretell how that one will go.
Finn Russell is talking on ITV.
He saying it was as much as the gamers to entrance up after a troublesome loss in Italy final week. He’s praising the forwards and saying “it’s all the time a simple recreation to get emptionally up for it”.
Dan Biggar factors out that they should again this up subsequent week.
Russell agrees.
Critical query for Scottish followers:
How do you’re feeling about when you think about your facet seem like world beaters towards one workforce and one workforce solely?
It have to be completely maddening understanding that they’ve a lot potential if solely they might discover this tenacity and sophistication towards everybody else.
Scotland high the Six Nations desk!
They’ve six factors, Englanf have. 5.
France are but to play Wales tomorrow, however till then the Scots are tops!
I received that unsuitable. I do know I wasn’t the one one.
Gordon Manson has earned the suitable to snigger in any respect the Scottish doubters:
All of your specialists predicted an English win . I snigger in your faces . karma hah!
Benefit from the win mate!
There might be a great deal of questions after a fairly poor present from England.
Reader Joshua Keeling kicks issues off:
So, so disappointing from England. Possibly that profitable run made us look higher than we truly are.
On the threat of sounding smart after the actual fact, I all the time thought that run felt just a little overblown. Positive there have been some spectacular outcomes. The win towards New Zealand was particular. But it surely by no means felt because it was a genuinely true reflection of this England workforce.
Full-time! Scotland 31-20 England
Scotland win it! They simply love enjoying towards England. The second half wasn’t as thrilling as the primary, however that was a heck of a recreation of rugby. A great deal of errors. A great deal of magic moments. Some unreal particular person performances and a little bit of controversy and debate.
Scotland had been a workforce in shambles final week. England had been speaking a couple of grand slam. Nicely, what a distinction per week could make.
Scotland have performed it once more!
79 min: Steyn wins participant of the match. Earl runs the restart again and England look to go from coast to coast. However they spill the ball inside their very own 22 – their tenth knock on of the sport – so Scotland have a chance to feed the scrum, safe the ball and safe the win.
TRY! Scotland 31-20 England (Earl, 78)
Ben Earl deserves that. He’s been the most effective England participant, by a distance, and has earned a attempt. It began with a Pollock break down the suitable and ended with Earl strolling over on the left. Ford’s additional two factors from out huge means England nonetheless have a sniff of a bonus level.
76 min: Earl peels spherical off a scrum 5 out from Scotland’s line and he appears to be like favorite to attain, however the scramble defence was there in a flash and the England 8 was held up! An enormous roar ripples across the stadium.
75 min: Good from Earl after which Pollock as England make floor. In a blink Steward has it down the suitable wing as Ford’s cross subject kick discovered him in area. What’s the massive lad going to do as Graham, half his measurement, traces him up? He’ll get crunched into contact, that’s what! Unbelievable from the wee man within the. scrum cap. Sums up Scotland’s spirit on this match.
73 min: Horne lifts a excessive kick and Scotland win it again within the air. They actually have bossed the skies. There’s a penalty towards an England participant and Graham, on for Dobie, faucets and goes shortly. Somewhat rash and he finds himself remoted and is turned over by Pollock underneath England’s sticks.
71 min: Scotland’s line-out continues to perform effectively and this time they provide it by means of the palms. Russell fizzes a move to Dobie who spills backwards. England rally, kick forward after which have it again when Scotland return the favour from deep. Spencer, on for Mitchell, continues the plan to hoist it excessive from the field.
70 min: Now Scotland win a scrum penalty as England collapse it. It’s all going effectively for the hosts who have to be questioning why they will’t play like this towards groups not referred to as England.
Gerry Pike is seeing issues from the opposite facet:
Scotland have proven nice spirit as we speak but additionally demonstrated that the rapier beats the bludgeon. They’ve tempo and directness aplenty, relishing attacking with the ball in hand. In contrast, England look pedestrian with the ball, over-reliant on their beefy forwards grinding ahead. As a impartial, there may be solely oneside enjoying trendy rugby.
Sturdy stuff from reader Ryan:
That twelve recreation run and a few high drawer particular person has obscured considerably that Borthwick ball is what it all the time was. Gamers picked out of place. Aimless kicking. An attacking plan that revolves round one out bosh and with all of the subtlety of a neon cybertruck at a village fete.
Choosing a Head Coach on the premise of 1 good membership season was all the time a mistake, and a few of us mentioned so on the time!
68 min: England survive! They usually come away with a penalty due to Earl holding agency and Cummings coming straight off his toes to seal the ball. Poor from Scotland. They saved hammering the road with quick carries however they by no means actually seemed like scoring. One wonders in the event that they gave the ball a little bit of air and allowed Jones or Tuipulotu a run on the line, what may need occurred. No time to ponder, England win the line-out and nearly launch Pollock with a Ford excessive kick. But it surely’s knocked on.
67 min: A metre quick. Six quick carries have come up quick.
66 min: Hayes was the responsible occasion, ripping the ball whereas on the ground. Scotland win the line-out and set the maul. Can they get this over? The backs be part of…
65 min: Scotland inches away after nice work from the line-out. They’re so shut. Cherry with a few drives. They’ve to attain. Fagerson is there! No he’s not. They spill it but it surely’s OK as they’ve the penalty benefit. They’ll need to maintain the ball down right here for so long as attainable. Or, in fact, bag a recreation clinching attempt.
62 min: Scotland exit. England throw to the road round midway however Scotland pinch a turnover. Steyn on the suitable wing plucks out a surprising take as if he had been a cricket fielder on the boundary. Darge carries straight at Smith who holds agency. Scotland inch over midway earlier than Horne hoists it excessive. Earl catches it close to the touchline on his 22 earlier than he’s bundled out of contact. A beautiful kick from Horne. Couldn’t have positioned that any higher and it means Scotland get the line-out throw simply on England’s 22.
60 min: One other scrum penalty. This time it truly is a final warning for Scotland earlier than a yellow card is proven. Millar-Mills nailed for illegally wheeling. England again into the 22 off the highest of a line-out. Mitchell snipes, beats his man, tries to free his arms however knock-on simply on the final. Wonderful from Mitchell till it wasn’t. However Scotland must scrum underneath their very own poles.
Paul Opie has a recipe for fulfillment:
Much less field kicks, extra Mitchell, g o to floor if tackled. Add one Pollock. England flip this round.
59 min: Scotland’s scrum is now functioning with a bit extra confidence. They get this away however they’ll must pack down once more as Darge spills a brief Russell move that he wasn’t anticipating. Cease begin for a wee bit. Once more, Scotland received’t thoughts if we staccato our approach to the shut.
58 min: A correction. Fin Smith has come on to switch Arundell. I do know, it’s complicated. However England now again to fifteen.
They’ll deal with a scrum for Scotland after Pollock knocks on. The sting has been taken out of the sport for the previous 5 minutes. Not that Scotland will thoughts. That is going beautifully for them. However they received’t need to let England again on this. An English attempt within the subsequent couple of minutes may make issues attention-grabbing.
57 min: Jamie George and Henry Pollock come on as England return to fifteen. Reminder that Arundell’s purple card was only for 20 minutes. He can’t come again, however he can now get replaced. We’ll get began once more with a Scottish line-out between their 22 and midway.
56 min: England are again the place they had been simply earlier than Ford’s drop aim was charged down. However they’re too gradual and Darge stoops low to win a breakdown penalty off Pepper. Movement of Scotland is being sung by the 100,000 Scots contained in the Stadium.
TRY! Scotland 31-13 England (Jones, 53)
Scotland draw back in exceptional vogue! A dozen phases had England in Scotland’s 22 and Ford dropped just a little deep to unfurl a drop aim. However not deep sufficient and Fagerson charged him down. Then the bounce was type and Fagerson had it once more and had the sense to move to his left for Jones who sprinted all of fifty metres to attain underneath the poles. Russell may have back-heeled that over so as to add two extra. Is that the sport?
51 min: A brand new entrance row for Scotland as Millar-Mills and Cherry enter the scene. Let’s see if that shores issues up. Nope, England milk one other penalty, their fourth on the scrum. Pepper makes good floor from gradual ball. Freeman does likewise out on the suitable. Dingwall, Steward and Earl mix effectively down the left. They’re trying superb till Dingwall is nailed by Dobie. Nonetheless, England within the 22 and constructing.
50 min: One other scrum, this one on midway. This time for England as Scotland repay the favour of spilling the ball on the ball. Earlier a swift exit meant that Scotland may clear their traces.
49 min: England spill the ball underneath the shade of Scotland’s poles! Genge made a monster carry however as soon as he went to floor the ball was spilled ahead. Not that England will thoughts scrumming down right here.
Earlier than that, Mitchell confirmed his class as he sniped down the blind facet following a stiff maul from a line-out. He discovered a niche and nearly received an off-load away underneath stress. England had been effectively set earlier than that Genge spill.
Schoeman is subbed on. Scotland want to seek out some solidity within the scrum.
47 min: Scotland need to play away from their very own patch. So that they’re kicking deep. Freeman runs it again. Freeman has it once more after Ford proves that he has a lot time on the ball. Tuipuloty makes a deal with on Freeman however doesn’t roll away and provides away a delicate penalty on the ground. Ford hoofs it out. Pollock is on the brink of be part of the occasion.
Penalty! Scotland 24-13 England (Ford, 45)
England take a chew of the elephant. They’ll need to scrum as a lot as attainable now. Their set piece is completely dominant.
44 min: One other scrum penalty for England. Nika Amashukeli warns Tuipulotu that one other one will lead to a yellow card. Ford traces up a easy penalty shot bang in entrance of the sticks.
43 min: Good work off the highest of the line-out following a drive, then Itoje is hit as he runs a stunning midfield line. He makes good floor however the ball dribbles ahead after the deal with. Easy work and nearly completely executed. Higher, however not ok for England. Scrum to Scotland inside their very own 22.
41 min: Scotland go excessive from a line-out and discover Tuipulotu on the gallop. However there’s a penalty given away on the bottom shortly after as Steyn is wrapped up by two English defenders and fails to launch. Ford rakes a protracted touchfinder to arrange an English line-out in need of Scotland’s 22.
The gamers are again out. If the second 40 is as enjoyable as the primary we’ll be speaking about this recreation for generations to return.
Timothy Beecroft is posing a phislophical headscratcher:
What number of of these first half factors had been scored due to offensive brilliancy? And the way might by defensive idiocy?
Let’s undergo them:
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Jones’ attempt = brilliancy. Scotland lower England up, after which Russell’s tip on was chic.
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Ritchies attempt = brilliancy. Steyn with the magic toes, Tuipulotu with a unbelievable lengthy vary spiralling move to Ritchie who benefited from his mates sucking in defenders on the suitable.
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Arundell’s attempt = brilliancy. Ford’s little dummy and delayed move was simply luxurious after sustained stress from the massive boys.
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White’s attempt = idiocy. Genge will hope he by no means sees the replay of that howler ever once more.
Mitchell actually is kicking the leather-based off the ball.
Somebody who watches him greater than most has additionally picked up on this. Right here’s James Prigmore:
As a Saints fan, I watch Mitchell a good bit. I’ve seen him kick extra on this recreation than I’ve this season for Saints. Does it ever actually obtain something? I’m advised it does. At It’s greatest it appears to carry a situation to 50/50. At its worst it ruins continuity. Pissed off Saints fan.
The factor is, England aren’t profitable these 50/50s.
You see this a good bit in rugby. Typically they act like grand armies of the Napoleonic period. Know what I imply? A lot planning, a lot homework, a lot drill within the week, it’s like they stick with a set plan by the drive of gravity.
Mixing a number of metaphors there. Hope that landed.
I don’t know which method that is going to go.
I mentioned that I couldn’t see Scotland profitable. However exhibits what I do know.
I’m cautious saying that I can’t see England coming again, however who actually is aware of?
Right here’s what Gursimran Grewal:
Nonetheless a whole lot of the match to play however trying like a great distance again for England. Simply can not appear to cease making errors
And William Preston:
Scotland have come out with a single minded willpower to get a correct stomp on and take this recreation in each space. It’s very good to observe.
Until there’s some absolute thrilling heroics England are on for a complete scrubbing right here.
Now for some correspondence:
Joshua Keeling:
England have been a shambles up to now. However like I mentioned, Scotland are embarrassing – they solely flip up towards England.
Len Hampson:
I’ll by no means perceive rugby union – the man jumped into the participant on the bottom however the participant on the bottom received despatched off. Unusual guidelines.
Michael Wells:
As a biased Saints fan, Freeman is an effective all spherical again, Arundell isn’t. That mistake might have price England the sport and a really fantastic run of wins. Nice attempt scorer, however must develop his talents does Arundell.
David Williams:
England as soon as once more displaying zero battle in an away Calcutta Cup. Truthful to say the one method this workforce wins something is that if they get a house World Cup.
Half-time: Scotland 24-10 England
I completely beloved that! What an ideal half of Take a look at rugby. Ding adopted by dong. It was breathless. There was world class interaction and a few brainless errors. Genge did no matter rugby’s equal of an personal aim is. Arundell was despatched off for copping two yellow playing cards. Russell was majestic. Steyn on the suitable wing was dazzling. Ford and Mitchell kicked balls into orbit. It’d a cliche, however that actually had all the pieces.
40 min: Ritchie continues to be down so it’s 14 on 14 for now. Ford chips for the onrushing Freeman who nearly makes it stick. However he spills so Scotland counter. Jones finds Dobie within the left tram however his chip is charged by Steward so England have it again inside Scotland’s half.
39 min: Scotland win the line-out and kick excessive from White. Steward does effectively to collect a contestable underneath stress. Ritchie is clutching his knee. That could be his race run. Mitchell dinks a field excessive that forces Russell to show. He kicks to Steward who runs it again.
Crimson card for Arundell! 38 min
England right down to 14! For 20 minutes at the very least. Hero final week, villain this week. Little doubt that was a second yellow card. He took Steyn out within the air and he’s paid for his recklessness.
37 min: England with one other line-out round midway. Scotland managing to maintain them at arm’s size for a spell. Nonetheless, the lads in white present continuity earlier than Mitchell hoists a excessive kick. Arundell takes out Steyn within the air. Ooooh, he’s already been proven a yellow. Ref says only a penalty. That actually may have been one other yellow. In truth, they are going to have a look. Arundell might be in hassle right here.
35 min: Scotland win the scrum and reasonably than merely hoof it lengthy, they run it out. Maniacs. Steyn has it out huge on the suitable and wriggles as much as the 22. Then they kick and discover contact over midway. That is a superb exit.
33 min: Immense from Scotland! England seemed to have cracked the maul, however the Scots rallied and reformed and managed to isolate Cowan-Dickie behind the morass and maintain him up. Wonderful maul defence and a lesson in not giving up after shedding the preliminary hit. Nonetheless, they should survive this scrum with their heels touching their very own attempt line.