Scotland fight back in stunning Calcutta Cup draw with England

Twickenham (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Scotland came from 31-0 down only to see their hopes of a first win over England at Twickenham in 36 years dashed in stoppage time as a remarkable Calcutta Cup clash ended in 38-38 draw on Saturday.

The final match of the 2019 Six Nations Championship, the latest edition of rugby union’s oldest international fixture, appeared to be heading England’s way as they surged into a 31-0 lead.

Scotland, however, scored six tries, Darcy Graham crossing twice, in a run of 38 unanswered points to be within minutes of a first Twickenham triumph since 1983.

But with 80 minutes played, England kicked a penalty to touch for an attacking line-out and, in the third minute of extra time at blustery and rainswept Twickenham, replacement fly-half George Ford went over for a try he converted to tie the scores with the last kick of the game.

Scotland retained the Calcutta Cup by virtue of their 25-13 win over England at Murrayfield last year, with England runners-up in the Six Nations.

But this result, following a second-half collapse in a defeat by champions Wales, is bound to lead to questions about England’s nerve. 

England kicked off knowing they no longer had any chance of winning the title after champions Wales completed a Grand Slam by overpowering Ireland 25-7 in Cardiff earlier on Saturday.

But that did not dampen the mood of an England side thirsting for revenge in a fixture first played in 1871.

They had their first try inside a minute and led 31-7 at the break.

Even by England’s own recent quick starts, a try in just 56 seconds from wing Jack Nowell was something else.

England captain Owen Farrell found full-back Elliot Daly and he in turn fed recalled centre Henry Slade before the midfielder released right wing Nowell, free in yards of space.

Nowell, recalled despite fellow wing Joe Cokanasiga’s man-of-the-match display against Italy last week, cut back on the inside through some weak tackles for a try fly-half Farrell converted.

England kicked a penalty for a close-range line-out that led to a try by Tom Curry.

Farrell duly added the conversion and England led by 14-0 with just nine minutes played.

Prop Kyle Sinckler barged over Scotland full-back Sean Maitland after good work by Manu Tuilagi, to set up another try for lock Joe Launchbury, with Farrell making it 21-0 before his penalty extended the lead.