Scotland coach Gregor Townsend mentioned he was “so proud” of his group after Saturday’s agonising 16-15 defeat to England at Allianz Stadium ended a run of 4 straight victories in opposition to their hosts and all however killed off any ideas of successful the Six Nations.
The guests outscored their opponents by three tries to 1, accomplished greater than twice as many passes and had extra possession, however a last-minute failed conversion try from Finn Russell ended their hopes of extending their successful streak in opposition to England to a report 5 video games.
“I am so happy with the group for that effort,” Townsend instructed reporters. “It in all probability surpasses, performance-wise, what we have executed the final two or three years.”
Scotland dominated the primary half and should have felt unlucky to steer by solely three factors on the break however England improved by simply sufficient within the second half to maintain alive their very own Six Nations hopes.
“England defended very well, they saved their self-discipline,” Townsend mentioned. “They have been actually robust near the ruck. Credit score goes to them.”
Fly-half Russell missed all three conversion makes an attempt, together with his last-ditch effort after Duhan van der Merwe’s strive that may have received the sport, however Townsend was nonetheless stuffed with reward for his co-captain.
“Finn’s an impressive aim kicker,” he mentioned. “They have been robust kicks right now.”
Townsend’s report in opposition to England stays robust, with 5 wins and one attract his eight video games in cost in opposition to the hosts.
Tries from Ben White, Huw Jones and Van der Merwe have been nonetheless not sufficient for victory as second-half penalties from Fin and Marcus Smith gave a below-par England the slim victory after Tommy Freeman’s sole strive within the first half.
Regardless of the defeat, co-captain Rory Darge was a lot happier along with his facet’s efficiency after a disappointing 32-18 defeat to Eire two weeks in the past however rued his facet’s missed probabilities.
“We’re gutted however I believe the efficiency was so a lot better than final time,” Darge mentioned.
“It is vital in Check match rugby when you have got these purple patches, particularly within the first half, that you simply take your alternatives.”
1:05
Scotland win three Calcutta Cups in a row
Relive three basic Six Nations video games between England and Scotland forward of their conflict in Cardiff this weekend.
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– Tom Hamilton on Gatland exit: This marks Wales Rugby nadir
– James Regan on France: ‘Golden technology’ want title greater than ever
– WATCH: Relive a few of Six Nations’ basic video games
– Six Nations and Girls’s Six Nations: Full fixture checklist
