adminEdinburgh – England got their Six Nations campaign back on track with a crushing 20-0 Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.Luther Burrell and Mike Brown, as they’d done in defeat by France last weekend, both scored tries as the 132nd edition of international rugby union’s oldest fixture saw Scotland rendered pointless by England for the first time since a 15-0 loss at Murrayfield in 1978.
Had not fly-half Owen Farrell missed several goalkicks, the final scoreline might have been even more lopsided.
Scotland made three changes from the side that opened the Six Nations with a 28-6 loss to Ireland last weekend, with Australia coach Scott Johnson controversially dropping captain Kelly Brown and giving his place at openside flanker to debutant Chris Fusaro. Tommy Seymour replaced the injured Sean Maitland while Matt Scott was brought into midfield instead of Duncan Taylor.
Meanwhile, Ireland dented Welsh dreams of a record third Six Nations title in a row, with a clinical display in Dublin’s Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
Warren Gatland’s men simply never got close to the hosts, who tactically outmanoeuvred the giants in red, and boasted raw strength and aggression to complete the rout. Ireland have not begun a Six Nations with back-to-back victories since the Grand Slam year of 2009, and this comprehensive result will have them dreaming in Dublin.
Jonny Sexton’s boot dominated the game, but the performances of Peter O’Mahony, O’Connell, Andrew Trimble and Rob Kearney will give England boss Stuart Lancaster plenty to ponder ahead of the mammoth clash in Twickenham in two weeks time.
Ireland were already in confident mood following their 28-6 opening day win over Scotland, reflected in Joe Schmidt’s decision to make just two changes to the starting line-up. O’Connell, who withdrew on the morning of the Scotland game with a chest infection, returned, while Gordon D’Arcy resumed his record breaking midfield partnership with Brian O’Driscoll, making what’s likely to be his penultimate Ireland appearance on home soil.- Sport24.
Online Reporter