England 6-11 Scotland: Eddie Jones’ men suffer a shock defeat in their Six Nations opener at Twickenham as they are beaten by the old enemy on home soil for first time in 38 years
- Scotland pulled off a famous 6-11 victory against England at Twickenham
- Duhan Van Der Merwe’s first half try for Scotland proved pivotal for the Scots
- Captain Stuart Hogg led the visitors to their first victory in London for 38 years
- Latest Six Nations news, live action and results can be found here
Scotland celebrated the 150th anniversary of the oldest rivalry in rugby by stunning England 11-6 to claim their first victory at Twickenham since 1983.
The 38-year wait for success at the home of the reigning Guinness Six Nations champions finally came to an end as Finn Russell inspired the underdogs to a magnificent win.
Russell directed play masterfully, Cameron Redpath enjoyed an influential debut and Stuart Hogg was world class at full-back as strutting Scotland were given the freedom to roam Twickenham.
England suffered shock defeat to Scotland in their opening Six Nations match at Twickenham
Scotland celebrated the 150th anniversary of the oldest rivalry in rugby with 11-6 victory
Scotland claimed their first victory at Twickenham since 1983 to win the Calcutta Cup
But Scotland lacked the points to reflect their dominance, Duhan Van Der Merwe’s try as part of an 8-6 half-time lead an inadequate return given they had put England into a straitjacket.
Russell was at the heart of their brilliant display, keeping the home defence guessing with an array of kicks and passes, but there also were erratic moments, most notably a trip on Ben Youngs punished by a yellow card.
Lions coach Warren Gatland was watching from the stands and he will view the Racing 92 magician as a clear winner in his duel with Owen Farrell.
Scotland’s mastery of almost every department continued after the interval yet they struggled to make the impact on the scoreboard needed to kill off England, who were bitterly disappointing.
Duhan Van Der Merwe’s try as part of an 8-6 half-time lead proved pivotal in the victory
Russell was at the heart of their brilliant display, keeping the home defence guessing
Scotland’s mastery of almost every department was on display as Stuart Hogg led be example
Almost a fifth of Eddie Jones’ team had not played since France were edged in sudden death 62 days ago and while the inactivity of the Saracens contingent contributed to the lack of intensity, England had more pressing problems.
Conceding four penalties in the first five minutes alone, one of them resulting in three points for Russell, led to a dismal start and the indiscipline became a debilitating theme of the match.
Twice Maro Itoje charged down kicks by scrum-half Ali Price inside the Scots’ 22 as the visitors invited pressure, but they were rare positive moments for the red rose.
Redpath was already making his presence felt at inside centre, most notably by catching a long line-out throw and running hard into the heart of the home defence.
Cameron Redpath was already making his presence felt at inside centre on his Scotland debut
Sean Maitland was one of many Scotland stars who shone in London on Saturday evening
Russell was beginning to weave his magic with his passing already making a difference and there was another swing towards Scotland when he was chopped down by a swinging arm from Billy Vunipola, who was sent to the sin bin.
Showing no ill effects, Russell lofted the ball into the left corner where the bounce just deceived Van Der Merwe, but soon after the wing’s powerful run swept him to the line and he was able to touch down.
The first half hour had been dominated by Scotland, but England clawed their way back into contention with successive penalties by Farrell.
Scotland fly half Finn Russell saw a yellow card for his trip on England’s Ben Youngs
Russell saw a yellow card for his trip on Youngs, his spell in the sin bin spanning either half, but when he returned the Scots were pounding away at the home line and he slotted a penalty.
Hogg weaved his way into space and the difference in attacking ability between the rivals was stark as England struggled to fire a shot.
Two huge touchfinders from Hogg pinned the champions back as rain began to fall, but the Exeter full-back was unable to land a long-range penalty that would have propelled his side eight points ahead.
It was not needed, however, as England could just not muster any meaningful response and Scotland’s players celebrated noisily when the final whistle blew.
Re-live Sportsmail’s Ieuan Ivett’s live coverage of England vs Scotland in a famous night for the Scots at Twickenham.
Host commentator
Host commentator
Scotland have beaten England at Twickenham in the Six Nations! Jubilant scenes at the final whistle!
The Scots were simply better than their rivals in every aspect. They dominated possession, attacked with more venom, were tactically superior and defended heroically. Duhan Van Der Merwe’s first half try proved pivotal in a low scoring second half.
Cameron Redpath, Jonny Gray, Hamish Watson and Stuart Hogg were incredible today. No other word for it.
As for England, where to start? Incredible to see them so out of sorts and outplayed in their own backyard. Painful viewing.
Scotland make an error and kick the ball out on the full. One more play for England. A scrum inside their own half.
That sums up England’s afternoon. Jonny May tries to take Stuart Hogg’s long kick but he drops it forward under zero pressure. Poor.
Heroic defence again from Scotland. Jonny Gray works wonders to stop Jonny May and hold him up and create a maul. Scotland win the penalty. Gray has been a monster today.
Hogg misses from around the halfway mark. That would have made the deficit eight points and maybe decided the match. But we continue into a nail biting final eight minutes.
Scotland’s defence has been as impressive as their attack. Tom Curry shows great aggression to battle through a few tackles but Cameron Redpath does fantastically to turn the ball over in the ruck.
Stuart Hogg is going for the posts from range.
England put double figures phases together for the first time all match but don’t gain kuch ground after great defence from Scotland.
Dan Robson then needlessly kicks away possession past the Scots try line.
England make their way back into the Scotland half now after Ali Price is penalised for holding on in the ruck. They are still lacking a spark as we enter the final 13 minutes.
Owen Farrell tries a Finn Russell-esc grubber but it goes straight into the hands of Stuart Hogg, who kicks the ball 70 yards down the field and out for an England throw. Wasteful by England.
Ollie Lawrence gets his first chance to run at the Scotland defence and makes good ground before losing possession in the breakdown.
Finn Russell’s long kick goes out on the full and England get another go inside the Scots half.
England earn good field position from a penalty kick to touch after Sutherland buckles in the scrum and gives England the chance.
They have barely been close to the Scots 22 this half.
Owen Farrell and substitute scrum half Dan Robson make a meal of trying to clear the ball from their own try line. Eventually Robson finds touch but Scotland are poised to peg them back once again.
Scotland try to maul their way over the try line as Ali Price takes possession just a few steps from glory but Maro Itoje interrupts him with tremendous defensive efforts.
Stuart Hogg has hit the perfect spiral and I doubt we will see a better kick for touch all tournament. From one 22 to another. Simply outstanding from the full back.
Finn Russell misses a penalty kick from around 30-35 yards. He should have hit that one over.
Want to know how the match is going? Scotland have 70% possession.
That means England have THIRTY PER CENT possession at Twickenham. 30. Has this ever happened against Scotland?
Sean Maitland now shows his quick feet after catching a long kick from England. Finn Russell then gets his hands on the ball and plays an impressive grubber to put Elliot Daly under pressure. Scotland have possession inside England’s half.
Stuart Hogg gets under a long kick from Owen Farrell and releases his twinkle toes to break throught the England defence. After a couple more tennis-match style kicks, Finn Russell finds touch.
Scotland’s stars are shining in London!
Scotland have England on the back ropes with just 14 men here. England’s last ditch defence is desperate as they halt Van Der Merwe and Hogg from close range.
However, the Scots had a penalty advantage after a tackle from Ellis Genge that is maybe a little harsh on the England prop. Finn Russell is back and kicked over for three more points.
The Scots are retaining possession fantastically so far. All in order to welcome back Finn Russell in a couple minutes. Stuart Hogg kicks for touch after they win a penalty.
Jonny Gray tried to convince the full back to go for the posts from halfway, but he launches the ball RIGHT into the corner. Perfect kick.
The 14 men of Scotland start the second half in the same impressive fashion. Stuart Hogg showcased his footwork to make a break and the Scots have some impressive phases up against the England defence, happy to keep it tight.
And here we go for another 40 minutes of action at Twickenham. Gregor Townsend could be a little miffed that his side are only two points ahead despite their dominance.
Scotland enter the half time break with a two point lead at Twickenham. You could argue their first half performance would justify a greater gap, but things have been tight and tense despite their domination for most of the half.
Duhan van der Merwe went over for the Scots after relentless pressure during the first period.
England managed to even the match out with a couple of penalties from Owen Farrell after Billy Vunipola returned to the action after a yellow card.
Up until his needless yellow card for his trip on Ben Youngs, Finn Russell and his right boot were an early contender for Man of the match.
Cameron Redpath is caught offside in defence making a blitz tackle on Billy Vunipola, who is back on the pitch. Owen Farrell opts to kick for the posts from close range and adds three more points.
However, a TMO review is being made for a different incident regarding Finn Russell. Upon review, it’s clear the Scotland fly half tries to trip Ben Youngs in pursuit and receives a yellow.
Silly and stupid from the No10.
Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell make a mess of things after receiving a long ball and England try to pounce on the ball on a counter.
They now have the Scots on the back foot with a throw inside their 22.
England win a penalty from open play after Sutherland commits a foul at the breakdown. Owen Farrell kicks over to shorten the deficit.
Van Der Merwe gets his try this time! Scotland fully deserve this. The wing cuts inside and powers past Mark Wilson and over the line for the visitors.
A tremendous up and under from Finn Russell to Maitland in the build up.
Russell’s conversion goes wide.
So close for Scotland! Finn Russell places a kick into the path of Van der merwe but the bounce is horrible and bounces over the dead ball line. So unlucky.
England can’t deal with Scotland in the scrum. Missing Vunipola who still has over half of his time on the sidelines to be served.
Ellis Genge struggling.
Hamish Watson is held up on the England try line after some great defensive work from Jamie George.
Scotland are looking a league above England but they need to come away from this scrum with a try. 5 metres from the line.
And it’s a yellow card for Billy Vunipola for a high tackle on Finn Russell.
That has been coming. Scotland now have them pegged back deep in their 22 with an extra man.
England have a dangerous line out inside Scotland’s 22 but Fagerson rises highest to win the set piece against the head.
The hosts then give away ANOTHER penalty and allow the Scots to release the pressure. Their 8th penalty in 23 minutes.
Scotland almost thread their way through the resolute England defence in a delightful manner.
Finn Russell plays a trademark grubber towards the wing and Maitland manages to beat Jonny May to the bouncing ball and tries to pop it to Stuart Hogg but it’s slightly out of reach for the full back.
Scotland dominating so far.
The battle at the scrum has been a real factor in the early stages. Scotland win a penalty and enter the England 22 with Russell’s kick once again.
Jonny May makes a mistake under the high ball from Scotland. England are losing out on the kicking game so far in these slippy conditions.
Ali Price has been very busy early on with the kicks and chases.
Relief for England after a little knock on from Zander Fagerson at the breakdown. Cameron Redpath made another great run in the build up, he is seeing plenty of ball on his debut.
Wonderful rugby from Scotland to work their way out of a sticky situation deep in their 22. Cameron Redpath made a wonderful step to break out and bring fellow backs into play as they made their way up to halfway.
Henry Slade gives away a foul and Finn Russell sends the kick into the England 22. Good start from Scotland.
England enjoy their first real chance to attack the Scotland defence. Owen Farrell brings in powerful runners in Tom Curry and Billy Vunipola to make gains but a loose pass from Ben Youngs allows the visitors to clear the danger.
Maro Itoje makes his second successful charge down inside the Scotland 22 in just eight minutes. Ali Price does not have much protection at the breakdown from his forwards.
And Scotland take the lead as Finn Russell kicks over the posts with ease. That’s a nerve settler for the Scots.
Scotland put England under real pressure from the line out with Fagerson coming close to breaking past the try line. Itoje makes a crucial tackle but England concede a penalty under the posts.
The visitors make good territory up the pitch and win a penalty following a foul from Tom Curry in the maul.
Finn Russell opts to kick for touch close to the England line. Sign of intent.
A huge scare for Scotland early on! Maro Itoje charges down gets a hand on Price’s box kick and almost chases it down to the try line.
However, Scotland recover and clear the danger.
Owen Farrell kicks us off as England and Scotland’s 2021 Six Nations campaigns begin!
The rain is now falling on the Twickenham pitch as both sets of players make their way out of the tunnel. There is still an edge ahead of kick off, despite the lack of fans.
It’s time for them to show off their vocals before we get underway.
Both England and Scotland players are getting in their last minute preparations in front of an empty Twickenham. We had a corker here two years ago and Scotland will feel confident they can rock the boat today.
Kick off is in 15 minutes. Stay tuned.
‘England traditionally start very well. They have won 17 of their 21 opening-day encounters in the Six Nations but it’s been a huge issue for Scotland with just three wins in the first round.
‘I sense a real mental battleground here.’
CHRIS FOY: ‘England will be expected to win. Quite right, too. They are defending their title and had a successful spell late last year when they added the Autumn Nations Cup to the cluttered cabinet at Twickenham.
‘But they are seeking fluency. They have re-established a precious winning habit, but there is no sign yet of swaggering authority.’
England are statistically the quickest team off the mark in the opening round of the Six Nations, William Hill revealed.
They have claimed more points, won more games, scored more points and notched more tries than any of their rivals in the competitions opening weekend, dating all the way back to 2000.
Finn Russell is back in Scotland colours at the Six Nations after putting his differences with coach Gregor Townsend behind him.
The Racing 92 fly half’s battle with opposite number Owen Farrell will be crucial in the outcome at Twickenham today.
An untouchable entertainer on his day.
Here are the teams for this afternoon’s clash!
England: 15-Elliot Daly; 14-Anthony Watson, 13-Henry Slade, 12-Ollie Lawrence, 11-Jonny May; 10-Owen Farrell (capt), 9-Ben Youngs; 1-Ellis Genge, 2-Jamie George, 3-Will Stuart; 4-Maro Itoje, 5-Jonny Hill; 6-Mark Wilson, 7-Tom Curry, 8-Billy Vunipola
Replacements: 16-Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17-Beno Obano, 18-Harry Williams, 19-Courtney Lawes, 20-Ben Earl, 21-Dan Robson, 22-George Ford, 23-Max Malins
Scotland: 15-Stuart Hogg (capt); 14-Sean Maitland, 13-Chris Harris, 12-Cameron Redpath, 11-Duhan van der Merwe; 10-Finn Russell, 9-Ali Price; 1-Rory Sutherland, 2-George Turner, 3-Zander Fagerson; 4-Scott Cummings, 5-Jonny Gray; 6-Jamie Ritchie, 7-Hamish Watson, 8-Matt Fagerson
Replacements: 16-David Cherry, 17-Oli Kebble, 18-Willem Nel, 19-Richie Gray, 20-Gary Graham, 21-Scott Steele, 22-Jaco van der Walt, 23-Huw Jones
It’s February which can mean only one thing – the Six Nations is back!
Welcome to Sportsmail’s live coverage of the Calcutta Cup this afternoon, as England host Scotland at Twickenham!
Of course, there’ll be no fans inside the 80,000-capacity stadium – will that favour the visitors this afternoon?
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