Scotland retain Calcutta Cup with 31-20 win

Scotland 31-20 England, Edinburgh

Scotland ended England’s long winning run with a 31-20 victory at Murrayfield, producing a clinical attacking display backed by determined defence to keep the Calcutta Cup in Edinburgh.

Fast start gives Scotland control

The hosts struck early after England wing Henry Arundell was sin binned for failing to release. Finn Russell, who kicked an early penalty, quickly exploited the overlap and released Huw Jones, who finished in the corner for the opening try in the 9th minute.

Moments later Scotland extended their lead when Jamie Ritchie crossed following a well worked passing move led by captain Sione Tuipulotu.

England responded through a strong scrum platform, with Arundell finishing a backs move in the 20th minute and George Ford kicked a conversion and a penalty goal to cut the deficit. However, Scotland capitalised on an error deep in England territory as Ben White reacted quickest to a loose ball to score.

England suffered a major blow at the stroke of half time when Arundell was shown a second yellow card under the 20-minute trial red card rule for tackling Kyle Steyn in the air.

The hosts went into halftime leading 24-10 after dominating open play despite England’s set piece strength.

Second half tension

England narrowed the gap early in the second period through a Ford penalty making it 24-13

The decisive moment followed when Ford attempted a drop goal that was charged down. Scotland gathered the loose ball and Huw Jones sprinted clear for his second try, pushing the lead beyond reach at 31-13.

Late England push falls short

England continued to fight and Ben Earl crossed late to keep hopes alive, but Scotland’s defence held firm. A key tackle forced England into touch in the closing minutes and Russell cleared the ball into the stands to confirm the victory.

Scotland’s composed finishing secured another memorable Calcutta Cup triumph and maintained their strong recent record against their rivals.

Team line up:

Scotland: Jordan, Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Dobie, Russell, White; McBeth, Turner, Z Fagerson, Brown, Cummings, Ritchie, Darge, Dempsey.

Reserves: Cherry, Schoeman, Millar-Mills, Williamson, M Fagerson, Horne, Hastings, Graham.

England: Steward; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Chessum, Itoje, Pepper, Underhill, Earl.

Reserves: George, Rodd, Davison, Coles, Pollock, T Curry, Spencer, F Smith.