Rugby Union: England 16 - 15 Scotland

Late drama brings Scotland’s Calcutta Cup dominance to an end

England remain in the hunt for the Six Nations title after a crazy finish at Allianz Stadium saw Finn Russell miss a crucial last-minute conversion.

Author - Sophie T

Scotland took control early on, with tries from Ben White and Huw Jones giving them a narrow three-point lead at half-time. However, England battled hard, gaining the upper hand in the breakdown after the restart.

Marcus Smith slotted two penalties, while Fin Smith landed a powerful long-range kick from halfway, putting England 16-10 ahead with just nine minutes remaining.

Last time out | England 26 - 25 France

Scotland responded with a thrilling counterattack, as Duhan van der Merwe crossed in the corner following a break from replacement Stafford McDowall, who sliced through England’s defence.

With the stadium holding its breath, Russell—having already missed two kicks—watched as his potentially match-winning conversion drifted agonisingly wide of the left post.

England showed the kind of resilience Scotland have often used against them in past encounters, securing the Calcutta Cup for the first time in five years.

Despite the victory, Steve Borthwick’s men still trail defending champions Ireland by four points in the Six Nations standings. However, with France heading to Dublin in the next round looking to keep their own title hopes alive, the championship race remains wide open.

England will finish their campaign against Italy and Wales—who placed fifth and sixth in last year’s tournament—offering them a strong chance to stay in the title conversation.

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Meanwhile, Scotland appear set for another mid-table finish, as hopes of a breakthrough campaign once again give way to frustration. Time is running out for Gregor Townsend’s golden generation, with the head coach’s best Six Nations finish since taking charge in 2017 being third place on two occasions.

What is the Calcutta Cup?

The Calcutta Cup is one of the rivalry trophies claimed during the Six Nations. It is actually the oldest trophy in international rugby. Each year, England and Scotland compete to win it. 

You can see from the celebrations that winning this was a big deal for England. You can also see from the intensity of the match how this trophy and rivalry pushes the players involved.