England stunned as Scotland ruthlessly end long unbeaten run

Scotland have defeated England 31-20 to retain the Calcutta Cup, ending the visitors’ 13-match winning streak in emphatic fashion at Murrayfield.

Questions surrounded Gregor Townsend’s side following their opening weekend defeat by Italy.

Yet, the hosts delivered an emphatic riposte in Edinburgh to silence their critics.

Scotland started with high intensity and refused to relent against their erratic opponents.

The result hands Steve Borthwick’s charges a first defeat in 13 outings.

Calcutta Cup dominance

This victory significantly improves the Scots’ recent record in this historic fixture.

Townsend’s men have now emerged victorious in six of the past nine meetings between the old rivals.

“This was special. They were humbled last weekend in Rome and this time we had a chance to humble England here and came through.”

Former Scotland international Johnnie Beattie speaking to the Rugby Union Weekly podcast

Beattie noted that the errors of the previous week were rectified.

He praised the way the home side fought and scrapped for every ball.

However, the former international warned that consistency remains the elusive key for this squad.

“It’s how consistently can you find ways to beat these top-level opposition and Scotland don’t have the answer yet. Can you finish in the top three? There are some huge games. We have to back it up.”

Disjointed England falter

The visitors arrived seeking a first win in the Scottish capital since 2020.

Instead, they struggled to cope with the ferocity and energy brought by the Dark Blues.

Matters worsened when last week’s hat-trick hero, Henry Arundell, received an early yellow card which was upgraded to a red.

Any hope of a comeback was extinguished when a chargedown on a George Ford drop-goal attempt led to a try for Huw Jones.

Jones has now scored eight tries against the Red Rose, a record in the Six Nations era.

‘Taken apart’

The post-match analysis was scathing regarding the visitors’ tactical approach.

“Scotland were 20 points better not 11. They were comprehensive winners. In the cold light of day England were taken apart from minute one to minute 80.”

Ex-England scrum-half Matt Dawson

This loss marks England’s fourth defeat in their past five Championship away matches.

Dawson questioned the lack of a ‘Plan B’ once the initial kicking strategy failed.

“England didn’t adjust accordingly. It was a masterclass from the Scotland coaching staff because England were nowhere.”