The Calcutta Cup is the only game
that truly matters for Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations; if they lose to everyone else
it really doesn’t matter as long as they beat England. It is always a difficult task for the men in blue and yesterday it was made to be even more challenging as they had to run out onto the pitch without their captain. On the other hand England's task was slightly simpler, the same match day 23 had to step up, right the wrongs of last weekend and do it in some style.
Whilst the match started evenly another ‘casual as you like’ drop goal from Danny Care put England on the front foot and from that moment on it really was only about one team. Scotland never really found any momentum or go forward in the match, their kicking game out of hand lacked true purpose and once again their set piece faltered throughout, a 58% lineout win ratio simply isn’t good enough for International rugby, or indeed for any level rugby. They missed the talismanic Sean Maitland and whilst Stuart Hogg continued to be a shining light and David Denton put in a strong shift it was a tough day all around for the men in blue who were guilty of trying far too hard. On a positive note, in the second half Scotland defended like their lives depended on it and prevented England from running away from the game. Did the men in blue miss the leadership and influence of Kelly Brown? You bet they did and if I was Scott Johnson I would swallow my pride and get the man back immediately… but hey, what do I know!?!
Whilst the match started evenly another ‘casual as you like’ drop goal from Danny Care put England on the front foot and from that moment on it really was only about one team. Scotland never really found any momentum or go forward in the match, their kicking game out of hand lacked true purpose and once again their set piece faltered throughout, a 58% lineout win ratio simply isn’t good enough for International rugby, or indeed for any level rugby. They missed the talismanic Sean Maitland and whilst Stuart Hogg continued to be a shining light and David Denton put in a strong shift it was a tough day all around for the men in blue who were guilty of trying far too hard. On a positive note, in the second half Scotland defended like their lives depended on it and prevented England from running away from the game. Did the men in blue miss the leadership and influence of Kelly Brown? You bet they did and if I was Scott Johnson I would swallow my pride and get the man back immediately… but hey, what do I know!?!
Turning the focus on England, despite
all of the pre-match build up it was always going to be their game to lose and
I’m pleased to be able to say that they never once looked like doing that. In less
than ideal conditions under foot, let’s re-phrase that, in atrocious, you've never seen anything like it, conditions
under foot, Chris Robshaw’s team were composed and did exactly
what they needed to do, win. Danny Care had another corker of
a match, setting a strong tempo and pace for the game and constantly asking questions of Scotland's defence. The try scorers matched last
weekend, Luther Burrell’s stellar season continued as he made test rugby look
simple and Mike Brown’s class shone throughout. It was second time lucky for
Jonny May who looked lively despite his delicate nose and Jack Nowell remained
cool and calm in spite of the Scots doing their level best to rattle the young
Chief. Up front, well it was business as usual, as the England pack continue
their ascendency towards world class status, Dylan Hartley's line out throwing was stupendous and all around huge work rates coupled with strong
skills gave England the go forward that they needed.
Scotland were comprehensively out played in all areas of the
game and at no point did they look to be competitive, now it is time for some
soul searching and the weekend break will provide them with a chance to
re-group and come back fighting, because they are going to need against the Italians. I dearly hope that they will stage a huge turnaround as the talent in the squad is there it just isn't translating onto the pitch at the moment.
For Stuart Lancaster’s men it is a case of job done, should they have won by more!? Probably, yes however win is a win and that is all that counts in this competition. There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that England will need to move up a level in order to beat Ireland in two weeks’ time. The Irish looked so strong during their clinical dismissal of Wales at the Aviva and will certainly fancy their chances at HQ. England haven't lost in the 6 Nations at Twickenham since 2010 and I'll give you one guess as to which team inflicted that loss!?! The preparation starts now for what will be a match of colossal proportions in TW2 the 22nd February.
For Stuart Lancaster’s men it is a case of job done, should they have won by more!? Probably, yes however win is a win and that is all that counts in this competition. There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that England will need to move up a level in order to beat Ireland in two weeks’ time. The Irish looked so strong during their clinical dismissal of Wales at the Aviva and will certainly fancy their chances at HQ. England haven't lost in the 6 Nations at Twickenham since 2010 and I'll give you one guess as to which team inflicted that loss!?! The preparation starts now for what will be a match of colossal proportions in TW2 the 22nd February.
