- Finn Russell missed a late conversion after Van der Merwe’s last-minute try
- Marcus Smith’s pin-point accuracy from the tee proved pivotal for England
- The result ends England’s eight-year wait for a home Calcutta Cup win
Scotland’s lack of finishing touch from the tee proved costly as England kept their Six Nations hopes alive and ended an eight-year wait for a Calcutta Cup win in dramatic style.
Scotland had the lead inside five minutes as Ben White finished off a sharp move, but it was quickly cancelled out by Tommy Freeman – who burrowed over from close range. Marcus Smith then converted to put England in front.
Gregor Townsend’s side continued to use the ball well despite falling behind and soon rediscovered their advantage, with Duhan van der Merwe at the heart of an attack finished off in the corner by Huw Jones on 20 minutes.
Scotland took the three-point lead with them into the break but were punished for not converting their tries as Smith equalised with a penalty, before England’s fly-half knocked over another with 14 minutes to play to put the hosts in front.
Fin Smith was then successful from the tee as England extended their advantage to six, but Van der Merwe looked to have won it in the final seconds as he crashed over to make it 16-15.
However, Finn Russell missed the kick to hand England a massive reprieve – and with with Townsend’s team unable to find more points from the restart, it was the hosts that came away with the win.
More to follow.
Ben White finished off a smart move to put Scotland in front inside five minutes at Twickenham
Tommy Freeman bundled over four minutes later to equalise for the hosts in a hectic start
Huw Jones scored to re-establish Scotland’s lead, but they were unable to convert again
Marcus Smith was pinpoint from the tee, with kicking proving the decisive factor in the contest
