Eddie Jones reflects on England's Calcutta Cup defeat to Scotland

England coach Eddie Jones praised Scotland as they lost they lost the opening game of the Six Nations with a five-point margin at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

England suffered as much as seven penalties in the opening 17 minutes and even though Scotland did not make complete use of the opportunity, a sin-bin to Billy Vunipola in the 23rd minute provided the visitors with an extra player advantage allowing Duhan van der Merwe to score the only try of the game.

Owen Farrell on his part kicked two penalties on either side of a yellow-card to Finn Russell to narrow down the difference to just two points in the opening half, they could not add more points in the second half allowing Gregor Townsend's men get away with a 11-6 win.

This was also the first time in 38 years, Scotland have defeated England at Twickenham Stadium and have also reclaimed the Calcutta Cup on what marked the 150th anniversary between the two sides.

Match Centre: Six Nations: England 6-11 Scotland

“We couldn’t find a way to get in the game,” said Jones.

“On a day like that, the set piece is always going to be important – as are the contests in the air and the gain line.

“We couldn’t win any of those areas and seemed to be a yard off the pace. I have to blame myself – I didn’t prepare them well enough.

“Scotland played very well. They had a game plan they stuck to and executed it really well.

“They had enormous possession in the first half and a big penalty count. We can only blame ourselves for that. Congratulations to Scotland, they were too good for us today.”

Standings:

France's enormous win over Italy has seen them claim the first place in the opening round while Scotland are at second. Ireland are set to face Wales in their first game on Sunday.

What next?

England will host Italy in the second round while Scotland will lock horns with Wales at Murrayfield Stadium with both the matches scheduled on 13th February.