There it is, yet another Calcutta Cup win in Twickenham for the Scots. Yes, you could endlessly list the number of mitigating circumstances and excuses for why England lost but ultimately Scotland tactical nouse meant their opponents were often chasing shadows.
An alternative title for this piece could’ve equally been, ‘Brave Scots Outrun Tired English’. From minute one Scotland looked to stretch the English defence with a particular focus of getting outside of the first 4 or 5 defenders.
Farrells misread in the first 10 mins allowing for the line break was sloppy, as was Malins inability to cover the backfield for Huw Jones’ try a few phases later.
The errors continued, and each of the Scottish tries featured an English mistake. Ben Curry missing a crucial tackle on Ben White, who was clearly evasive but that cost an easy 5 points in the second half.
And the wonder try from Duhan Van De Merve needs little explanation at just how brilliant it was but just how equally as poor the defence was. And therein lies the key contrast in this game; Scottish bravery/brilliance vs sloppy/lacklustre English defence.
The last try was yet another perfect example of just how deficient England’s tired defence had become, especially worrying under the masterful control of Kevin Sinfield.
The high amount of in play ball time, aswell as the width Scotland were playing with had a huge impact on the energy of the English pack. Genge, Dombrandt and Itoje particularly looked absolutely shot after only 60 minutes. And the work rate of those replacing them, Nick Iswike and Mako Vuniploa really lacked the impetus and energy that England required.
Scotland smelt blood and took their chance with such unforgiving accuracy and bravery. Like any competent international side they exposed Englands often glaring weaknesses.
Something certainly needs to change for England defensively ahead of welcoming the Italians to town.
The Azzuri are equally as brave and could pose just as many threats. It would help if the English squad could get enough sleep, although that’s probably unlikely with that big blonde South African giant recurring in their nightmares.
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