Six Nations: Scotland leave England’s grand slam in tatters

There was a time, not long ago, when a debate centred on Scotland’s worthiness of a place in the Six Nations.

Scotland centre Huw Jones breaks the England defence to score his side’s third try in a stirring performance at Murrayfield. Picture: AFP

There was a time, not long ago, when a debate centred on Scotland’s worthiness of a place in the Six Nations.

Try reviving that discussion after one of the most memorable victories in the team’s recent history, at the expense of their greatest rival. It wasn’t just the scoreline but the manner of the performance in the 25-13 win against England at Murrayfield that should give Scottish rugby supporters so much heart for the future.

England, bidding for a second grand slam in three years and arriving on a run of 24 wins in 25 games under coach Eddie Jones, were overwhelmed by a sea of blue at the breakdown and the exuberance of Scotland’s centre of excellence, Huw Jones.

Jones scored two of the Scots’ three first-half tries — one an individual score from near halfway — as they blew away England before halftime then weathered an inevitable response from the visitors with a brilliant defensive effort and indomitable spirit.

It was a first win over England in 10 years, and there was a revelry and electricity inside Murrayfield not witnessed or felt in years.

“We knew what we were going to get,” Jones said, “but we just couldn’t meet the challenge.” Scotland started the Six Nations with a dismal loss in Wales but rebounded by beating France in round two. Like England, the Scots have two victories from three and can still win the Six Nations.

Only last year, Scotland were thumped 61-21 by England at Twickenham. Now, the Scots have won their last six home matches in the Six Nations and nine of their last 10 home games in total, the only defeat being a narrow one against New Zealand in November.

“We were fuelled by last year and the disappointment of the Wales game,” Scotland captain John Barclay said. “We said after that we didn’t become a bad team overnight.”

Scotland’s last win over England in the Calcutta Cup was 15-9 in 2008.

“They were too good for us,” Jones said. “Unfortunately we just weren’t in the game for the first 40 minutes.”

England’s only other loss under Jones was against Ireland last March, denying the team a second straight grand slam.

In Dublin, The St Patrick’s Day showdown with England for the Six Nations title crept closer after Ireland passed their biggest test yet by seeing off Wales 37-27 at Lansdowne Road.

The depleted Irish side enjoyed 80 per cent of the possession and territory as they built a seemingly safe lead of 27-13 going into the last quarter of a gripping match, but Wales rushed in two tries to trail 30-27 with three minutes to go and tension tightening.

Wales attacked from the kick-off and were making ground on the wings until, with 80 minutes up, Gareth Anscombe threw a floater out to the right wing and Ireland speedster Jacob Stockdale intercepted and ran 40 metres untouched to the posts to settle the result.

AP