- Scotland ends decade-long struggle
- Victories over England celebrated
- Russell’s redemption highlighted
In the Six Nations, it is an unalterable law that everyone enjoys defeating England. Consequently, all individuals abhor defeating the auld adversary, and Scotland suffered numerous setbacks against them over the past decade. Although it was unknown at the time, England’s 2009 victory at Twickenham marked the beginning of ten years of agony for Scotland. The hosts, captained by Steve Borthwick, scored tries through Ugo Monye, Riki Flutey, and Mathew Tait, while scrum-half Danny Care added a drop goal in a 26-12 victory.
Although the rematch at Murrayfield the following year ended 15-15, Scotland’s dynamic back row performed exceptionally well in a match that the hosts arguably deserved to win, with Ben Youngs making his international debut off the bench. England appeared to have Scotland’s number thereafter, regardless of whether Stuart Lancaster, Martin Johnson, or Eddie Jones was in command.
The final instalment of the decade-long winless streak, which took place in south-west London in 2017, was the most distressing event, with a 61-21 thrashing. The Six Nations championship was retained by Jones’s ebullient side, which was led by Jonathan Joseph’s hat-trick. “Scotland was subjected to a protracted and intense battering,” Michael Aylwin of the Observer wrote. “Finn Russell was an obvious target, and England made quick work of connecting with him.”
Scotland’s Resilient Comeback
The situation appeared dire for the Scots, and their lack of physicality against England’s large hitters appeared to be their most pressing obstacle. However, to the great relief of Scotland and their supporters, the teams will enter Murrayfield next Saturday with the odds decidedly in their favour.
Four of the previous six Calcutta Cups have been won by Gregor Townsend’s squad, and the 38-38 draw at Twickenham in 2019 that Scotland staged despite trailing 31-0 appeared to be a victory in and of itself. Russell, the self-proclaimed Lionel Messi of rugby who endured such severe punishment in 2017, was met with considerable censure following his apathetic start to the 2018 season.
However, John Barclay, the fly-half’s captain at the time, maintained that everything would work out for him in the run-up to that year’s Calcutta Cup. Barclay has since virtually trademarked the term “mercurial”. “He has a tendency to recover,” Barclay predicted. “I’ve witnessed him perform subpar one week and then be named man-of-the-match the following.”
Pre-Match Tensions Escalate
After warm-ups on that February day, the conflict arose off the stadium when England’s George Ford and Scotland back-rower Ryan Wilson exchanged insults as Ford approached the tunnel. Subsequently, he disclosed the intended meaning of his language: “‘We are approaching you; you would do well to monitor your actions.'” “I possibly mentioned the possibility of breaking some bones.”
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Wilson v Ford was the rugby equivalent of Patrick Vieira v Gary Neville in that it was a mismatch. Owen Farrell of England was enraged. The atmosphere was established by the subsequent pre-match grappling match. Barclay demonstrated leadership on the battlefield as the revitalised Scotland pack prompted England to react quickly at the breakdown. Paul Rees remarked that they “performed with a sustained, controlled fury.” Courtney Lawes was persuaded to join [England captain Dylan] Hartley after Johnny Grey confronted him.
Russell Leads Scotland’s Triumph
Russell’s foresight and valiant prodding while in possession of the ball enabled Scotland’s attack to flourish. Huw Jones dived under the posts after an astutely judged grubber kick positioned Scotland for an astounding first attempt against England at Murrayfield since 2004. Jones sprinted into England’s half after Russell intercepted a spectacular, high-tariff pass over the head of Joseph – the player whose hat-trick tormented Scotland the previous year – before Russell reclaimed it and sent Sean Maitland over in the corner for try No 2.
Jones scored the third try by eluding the grasp of Anthony Watson and Mike Brown. However, any remaining optimism for England was extinguished when replacement Sam Underhill received a yellow card. Watson’s knock-on into touch has prompted some of the most wild Calcutta Cup celebrations since 1879.
Scotland’s Sweet Victory Celebrated
Barclay said, “It was tense and physical with much at stake,” after Jones’ second loss in 26. Jones stated, “We were prepared to go to war.” We were fully cognisant of the game’s importance and the challenges that lay ahead. Insufficient attention was devoted to the matter.
The following morning, Jones encountered a group of Scotland supporters who had evidently engaged in an excessive amount of jubilation. The Australian swore to never again ride public transport; the “disgusting behaviour” was condemned by Scottish Rugby. The Scottish supporters were intent to savour their moment after ten years, with some going a step too far.
Russell was devastated in the first round of play this year when Scotland nearly squandered a 27-0 lead against Wales. France’s excruciating, TMO-influenced loss in the second round. Under construction in Borthwick, England travel north with a fresh roster and a revised approach to the game. Could this once more be Russell’s moment?
