Scotland’s recent triumph in securing their fourth consecutive Calcutta Cup win marks a historic milestone in rugby history. This feat not only showcases their prowess on the field but also cements their legacy as formidable contenders in the sport.
After 128 years of anticipation, Duhan van der Merwe’s stunning hat-trick, combined with co-captain Finn Russell’s flawless kicking display, marked a triumphant moment.
England took the lead early with an impressive George Furbank try. From a scrum, Ben Earl passed to Danny Care, who then found Elliot Daly, setting up Furbank’s first-ever try for England, converted by George Ford [0-7, 5 mins].
Zander Fagerson left the field for a Head Injury Assessment, and England capitalized, with Ford adding a penalty after Elliot Millar Mills was penalized for scrum infringement.
While the home crowd was initially shocked, Scotland maintained their composure, and the atmosphere at Scottish Gas Murrayfield was electrified when Duhan van der Merwe, who had previously been penalized for holding onto the ball in the ruck, made an impactful redemption.
Following a scrum, Sione Tuipulotu’s quick movement created a brief opening in the English defense, allowing Huw Jones to exploit the available space at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, advancing approximately 30 meters.
Remaining alert, Jones passed the ball when tackled, setting up van der Merwe to complete the play, including a feint before scoring in the right-hand corner for his 24th Scotland try, tying with Ian Smith, Tony Stanger, and the injured Darcy Graham.
Celebrate Scotland's historic victory over England at Murrayfield as Duhan van der Merwe secures a hat-trick, securing a fourth consecutive Six Nations win. Read more at: https://t.co/F9WJV1Kncn pic.twitter.com/7YgGFLVodE
— TOP X News (@TOPXNews) February 24, 2024
Subsequently, van der Merwe seized another opportunity. As England advanced towards the touchline, a wayward pass from Ford to Furbank was intercepted by Huw Jones, who swiftly passed to van der Merwe on Scotland’s own 10-meter line.
From what appeared to be an inconspicuous position, van der Merwe accelerated past Tommy Freeman, swiftly advancing towards the try line for Scotland’s 25th try. Russell’s successful conversion from the touchline increased the lead [14-10, 30 mins].
Ethan Roots conceded an unnecessary offside penalty, which Russell converted successfully [17-10, 34 mins], before Ford managed to calm Scotland’s momentum [17-13, 37 mins].
At halftime, the score stood at Scotland 17-13 England.
Scotland had an opportunity to score early in the second half, but Sam Underhill’s impressive jackal turnover led to a penalty, giving England a brief respite. However, van der Merwe soon increased Scotland’s lead by scoring his third try.
After Cam Redpath’s strong run, Finn Russell took advantage of a quick ruck to assess the options out wide. His well-executed kick was skillfully collected by van der Merwe, who now has 26 tries in just 37 caps. Russell’s successful conversion extended Scotland’s lead [24-13, 46 mins].
England attempted to narrow the gap with a penalty from George Ford, reducing the deficit to eight points [24-16, 50 mins]. Nevertheless, Scotland responded swiftly when Ben Earl was penalized for offside, with Russell adding another three points [27-16, 57 mins].
Upon Elliot Millar Mills’s return for Zander Fagerson, he immediately made an impact by winning a penalty turnover that Russell converted, maintaining his flawless kicking record [30-16, 65 mins].
Despite trailing by 14 points and time running out, England showcased their quality as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso capitalized on a short pass from Ben Spencer to score a try. However, Fin Smith’s conversion attempt hit the post, much to the relief of the Murrayfield crowd [30-21, 67 mins].
Although the scoreboard remained unchanged, the final ten minutes were eventful. From Jack Dempsey and Ewan Ashman combining to hold England up in a scrum, to Andy Christie’s impactful tackle on Furbank, and concluding with van der Merwe receiving a yellow card while also being named Player of the Match, the 142nd encounter between the world’s oldest rivals concluded with Scotland securing a fourth consecutive Calcutta Cup victory, a remarkable achievement not seen in recent memory.
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