Scotland’s four-year reign over the Calcutta Cup came to a dramatic end in a nail-biting 16-15 defeat to England, with Finn Russell missing a crucial conversion attempt in the final minute. The match at Twickenham saw a thrilling touch down from Duhan Van der Merwe, but ultimately, it was England who emerged victorious, ending Scotland’s hopes of a fifth consecutive win in this fixture.
A Game of Twists and Turns
In a game filled with twists and turns, both teams showed moments of brilliance and missed opportunities. The first half saw tries from Ben White and Huw Jones for Scotland, countered by a converted score from Tommy Freeman for England. Scotland’s early dominance was not enough to secure a comfortable lead, as Marcus Smith’s eight points and a long-range penalty from Fin Smith turned the tide in England’s favor.
Despite a lackluster first-half performance, England managed to keep their Guinness Six Nations title hopes alive with a narrow victory. Coming off a thrilling win against France, Steve Borthwick’s side needed a win to stay in contention for the championship. The expectations were high, with England favored to win, but Scotland’s strong start kept the game unpredictable.
The Final Moments
As the game reached its climax, the tension was palpable. England took the lead for the first time in the 67th minute with another penalty from Marcus Smith. With both teams fighting for supremacy, Scotland struggled to maintain their early attacking prowess. Fin Smith’s nerveless penalty widened England’s lead, putting them ahead by six points.
In a last-ditch effort, Scotland’s Stafford McDowall made a crucial play that led to Van der Merwe’s try on the left wing. The stage was set for Finn Russell, who had the opportunity to secure victory with a conversion, but his attempt sailed wide. England held on to secure a hard-fought win, surviving the frantic final moments of the game.
As the final whistle blew, England celebrated a narrow victory, while Scotland reflected on what could have been. The intense battle on the field showcased the passion and determination of both teams, making it a memorable clash in the Six Nations tournament.
