YOU CAN STICK YOUR F***ING CHARIOTS...
Calcutta Cup stays in Scotland as England are sent homeward to think again
WELCOME: there is a danger that Scottish fans are starting to think of victories over England as par for the course, particularly under Gregor Townsend’s stewardship of the national team. Scotland have only lost once in the last five Calcutta Cup matches, and are officially Eddie Jones’ bogey team, his win rate versus the Scots now lower than in fixtures against even South Africa and New Zealand. But we should treasure these sort of days, and remind ourselves that between 2008 and 2017 England had a very firm hold of the trophy. This was also our first set of consecutive wins against England since 1984. We have said it for a while but this Scotland team is a little bit special, and we should also treasure the likes of Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg, world class athletes at the top of their field. So this week, head pounding after one too many Blue WKDs in Fingers Piano Bar, we look back in detail on that Scotland win and bring you everything else in the week that was in Scottish rugby. Enjoy!
MATCHPINT: another reminder that we have once again partnered with our good friends MatchPint for this year’s Six Nations. For the chance to win FREE PINTS (and bragging rights with friends), make sure to join our league on the MatchPint app and get your predictions in. Further details below:
CALCUTTA CUP (AGAIN!): Scotland secured consecutive Calcutta Cup wins for the first time since 1984, a late penalty try deciding a tight affair that finished 20-17 in favour of the home side. While Gregor Townsend’s men will know they were not quite at their best on the day, they played with a maturity and poise and most importantly found a way to win in the end.
It was all England in the first half, the stats showing the visitors held 75% of the possession, yet a converted score from newbie Ben White and a Finn Russell penalty took Scotland to a 10-6 lead at the break. The livewire Marcus Smith cut the deficit with another penalty goal, before crossing in the corner to give his side a 17-10 lead. Drama then ensued as Scotland chased the game, a pinpoint crossfield kick from Finn Russell batted out of play illegally by hooker/wannabe volleyball player Luke Cowan-Dickie. Referee Ben O’Keefe consulted his touch judges before awarding a penalty try (and yellow card) to rapturous applause from the Murrayfield faithful. Russell then added another three points off the tee to put Scotland in the lead, 20-17, and it was to stay that way as the home side were able to close out the match despite English pressure.
Highlights below:
TALKING POINTS: removed from yesterday’s post-match delirium, a more sober analysis would perhaps show that Scotland’s overall performance was probably a 6 or 7 out of 10. Although that might sound harsh, it arguably shows how good this Scotland team is, that they managed to prevail in a tricky fixture without actually playing that well. As we have said before, as a Scottish rugby fan it is the hope that kills, and the players must feel the weight of these expectations to some degree, so it is encouraging that Hogg and co were able to cope with being “clear favourites”, to quote Eddie Jones.
In terms of their performance, there were several positives to take. Scotland soaked up pressure and defended very well throughout (94% completion rate across 124 tackles made), and aside from the Smith score England didn’t really look likely to make a breakthrough. The few chances Scotland did have in attack they looked dangerous, and ultimately their two strike plays (the Ben White try and Finn’s dual crossfields) led to tries. They also made 5 clean line breaks versus England’s 2. The back row slightly edged their English counterparts, although didn’t get much joy at the breakdown. And while the scrum struggled at points, the replacement front row made a real difference, something we have not had the privilege of in recent years.
The major work ons for next week might include improved discipline (or at least better adapting to a referee’s interpretations), smarter restarts (why did Scotland opt for short kick offs from their own try line, but long kicks off from half way?) and more continuity in attack. 5-10% improvements in each of these areas and we are onto a winner.
PLAYER RATINGS:
Matt Fagerson was a well deserved man of the match, quieting the fans who were calling for Magnus Bradbury to start at number 8. His carries were brutish, particularly from the tail of the lineout, and he was one of Scotland’s top defenders, 13 tackles made and zero missed
Elsewhere in the pack Jamie Ritchie also looked the part before injury forced him to depart proceedings, and perhaps outshone the more revered Hamish Watson (who himself had a quietly impressive match, as the tackle stats below show)
Grant Gilchrist, a surprise selection for some, proved his value at the set piece, leading to a 100% success rate at lineout time (with two steals added for good measure)
The replacements all added something, and being able to bring on McInally, Nel, Schoeman, Skinner and Bradbury is a real luxury.
In the backs, Darcy Graham had an absolute blinder, carrying over his good club form onto the international stage. His 6 defenders beaten was more than the entire English team, and his snake hips assist for the Ben White try was a thing of beauty. His last minute turnover firmly secured his place as the Prince of Hawick.
There was also a lot to admire about Finn Russell’s performance. While he mainly kept the lid on his usual box of tricks, his kicking from hand was superb, and crucial to the penalty try that ultimately won the match for the Scots. There still seem to be some observers determined to label him as a maverick, but those days are firmly behind us now
Hogg also had a decent game from the back, while Ben White looks like a handy addition to the squad. Has there ever been a more impactful HIA replacement?
As ever The Offside Line provides a good run through of the rest of the squad on the day: https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland-v-england-scotland-player-ratings/
TO CARDIFF: Scotland should travel to Cardiff next week confident of getting another win over a Wales side who looked rudderless in defeat to Ireland on Saturday, yet Townsend will ensure there is no room for complacency. On paper Scotland should be favourites, given Wales’ recent form and well-documented injury worries, yet our opponents are still the reigning Six Nations champions, and are a different beast at home. Our record in Wales (our most recent victory was at Parc y Scarlets rather than the Principality) is also nothing to boast about.
At present the only injury worry for Scotland is Jamie Ritchie, who may be out for several weeks, but in Bradbury, Darge, Skinner and Christie there are able replacements. We will be taking on the Cardiff tour, and cannot wait for the day out there. Just a shame that the fun police at the Principality Stadium has decided to water down the beer and shut the bars at half time. Time to sneak in some Tennents.
GLASGOW V MUNSTER - FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: amidst all the Six Nations excitement it is easy to forget that there is some tasty URC action this weekend to get your teeth stuck into.
On Friday night (8.15pm KO), Glasgow Warriors return to Scotstoun in a top of the table clash, as they welcome Munster under the Friday night lights. It will be the first time the Irish heavyweights have played in front of the Warrior Nation since 2018, as the two teams renew a rivalry that has seen many memorable moments over the years. With the Warriors sitting second in the URC standings and looking to push on into the business end of the season, make sure you secure your seat for what promises to be a belter!
Get your tickets here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/scottishrugby/Events?preFilter=2
U-20s RESULT: Scotland U20 were unable to match the efforts of their senior counterparts in their Six Nations opener on Friday evening at the DAM Health Stadium, going down 41-24 to England. Kenny Murray’s charges were proper underdogs going into the fixture, but showed their mettle in the opening half, entering the sheds with a 12-10 lead that was quickly extended to 17-10. However, they fell away badly at the 60 minute mark, three quickfire tries allowing England to pull away for a comfortable win in the end. Scotland did respond late in the game, replacement hooker Gregor Hiddleston crossing at the death to secure a losing bonus point. For the Scots the likes of Max Williamson, Ollie Leatherbarrow (still one of the best names going), captain Rhys Tait and Oliver Melville were standout performers. Next week they travel to Colwyn Bay to take on a Wales side that will be reeling from their 53-3 defeat to the Irish. Still plenty to play for.
Highlights below (fair play to England, several of their tries are top drawer stuff):
TRANSFER ROUND-UP: Exeter have confirmed that Scotland scrum half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne will leave the club at the end of the season, taking up a three-year deal with Italian side Benetton, adding yet another club to his busy rugby CV (alongside Edinburgh, Racing, Scarlets, Lyon and Harlequins)
It seems like a pretty decent move all round. Although SHC played a part in the Chiefs’ Premiership and Champions-cup winning season a couple of years ago, he has struggled to unseat the Maunder brothers from the nine shirt, while Benetton have built a decent side and are no longer the whipping boys of the URC. It feels like at his best SHC should challenge for Scotland squads, but for that to happen he clearly needs regular game time. Getting one over Edinburgh or Glasgow next season could provide the perfect springboard.
Elsewhere there are rumours that Huw Jones is eyeing up a quick return to Glasgow next season, as he looks to challenge for Scotland’s World Cup squad. Jones has been getting decent game time for Quins in his favoured 13 shirt, but the likes of Luke Northmore and Joe Marchant seem to be ahead of him in the pecking order. Do Glasgow really need another centre/back three option, with Tuipulotu, Steyn, Mackay etc all in good form, or is there a better way to allocate the salary budget?
Also in the Premiership, Matt Scott has signed a new deal with Leicester Tigers. While Scott was disappointed to be turfed out of Edinburgh a few seasons ago, he has made a real name for himself down south, and has played a key part in the Tigers’ recent revival. Well deserved.
SCOTS ABROAD
Gloucester v London Irish: Charlie Chapman (9), Andrew Davidson (19) and Adam Hastings (22) v Kyle Rowe (14)
Bristol v Newcastle: v Gary Graham (6)
Exeter v Wasps: Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (21) v Robin Hislop (17) and Elliot Millar-Mills (18)
Leicester v Worcester: Matt Scott (23) v Isaac Miller (16) and Tom Dodd (19)
Saracens v Bath: Tim Swinson (5), Andy Christie (6) and Sean Maitland (14) v D’arcy Rae (3) and Cam Redpath (12)
Harlequins v Sale: Mak Wilson (18) v Ewan Ashman (2) and Tom Roebuck (14) - both Ashman and Roebuck (twice) crossing for the Sharks.
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