England Rugby Team Tries to Win at Murrayfield After Many Losses

England's rugby team has won 12 games in a row. But they have not won at Scotland's Murrayfield stadium in five years. This important game will show if England can win away from home against a tough team.
By Newsroom | Rugby, Scotland |

England's rugby team is on a significant winning streak, but faces a historical challenge at Murrayfield, Scotland's home ground. This upcoming match is seen as a crucial test to determine if England has truly evolved into a top-tier team, capable of overcoming past difficulties in tough away fixtures.

England's brave new era runs up against Murrayfield ghosts - 1

  • Players and coaches acknowledge the historical "ghosts" of Murrayfield, referring to past losses and difficult experiences.

  • The team's recent success is contrasted with their struggles in away matches against strong Six Nations rivals.

  • The match is framed as a pivotal moment to answer questions about England's championship-contending abilities.

Historical Weight and Present Form

England arrives at Murrayfield with a recent record of 12 consecutive wins, a testament to their improved performance under coach Steve Borthwick. However, this success is juxtaposed with a five-year wait for a win in Scotland and a recent 30-21 loss in their last visit to Murrayfield. This historical context has led to a focus on England's ability to handle the unique pressures of playing away from home against a historically challenging opponent.

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England's brave new era runs up against Murrayfield ghosts - 2

  • The term "Murrayfield ghosts" encapsulates the psychological and performance challenges England has faced at this venue.

  • Players like Maro Itoje and Ben Earl have spoken about the need for a "bulletproof" approach and confidence to overcome such challenges.

  • Despite their winning run, England has only secured away wins against Wales and Italy in the Six Nations under Borthwick, highlighting the specific difficulty of this fixture.

Player Mentality and Preparation

The English squad is preparing for the mental and physical demands of playing at Murrayfield, a venue known for its intimidating atmosphere. Players acknowledge the impact of the crowd and the need for an assertive game plan.

England's brave new era runs up against Murrayfield ghosts - 3

  • Maro Itoje emphasized the need for confidence and for England to be the aggressors, stating, "I just want us to be confident; I want us to be the aggressors and take pride in how we play." He also highlighted the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances: "When you play away from home you generally have to be sharper… there are things that happen you just have to roll with, there are things that happen that you just take on the chin and make sure you are bulletproof to the scenarios."

  • Ben Earl and Ollie Chessum have expressed their anticipation of the Murrayfield challenge, acknowledging the potent atmosphere. Earl noted, "You hear that boo, it just hits you in the face," but added, "there will be no complacency from our end."

  • Freddie Steward indicated the team has been working on specific tactics, such as dealing with "kicking onslaughts" and high balls, in preparation for Scotland's potential game plan.

Scotland's Threat and England's Opportunity

Scotland, despite a recent "significant slip-up" in the tournament, is recognized as a "dangerous" opponent. The match is viewed as a prime opportunity for England to demonstrate their growth and secure a statement victory away from home.

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England's brave new era runs up against Murrayfield ghosts - 4

  • The game is being described as the point where England's championship campaign truly "starts."

  • There is an understanding that Scotland, under coach Gregor Townsend, has improved its performance at the Calcutta Cup.

  • England's objective is not only to win but to break their "Murrayfield hoodoo" and "horrors," making it an "apt time" to address this historical challenge.

Expert Analysis

  • The current England team, under Steve Borthwick, is seen to possess the game under pressure to achieve results, a sentiment echoed by Ben Earl.

  • However, the historical record at Murrayfield suggests that simply having a winning streak is insufficient; a different level of resilience and tactical execution is required.

  • The Calcutta Cup fixture is consistently highlighted as a significant event within the Six Nations, carrying substantial historical and emotional weight.

Conclusion and Implications

The upcoming match against Scotland at Murrayfield represents more than just another fixture for England. It is a critical juncture where their impressive winning streak will be tested against a venue and opponent that have historically posed significant challenges. The team's stated preparations and player sentiments suggest an awareness of the historical weight and a determination to forge a new path. The outcome will offer vital insights into England's maturity as a championship-contending side, particularly their ability to perform under pressure in the most demanding of away environments.

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  • Key Takeaway: England's winning momentum will face its sternest test at Murrayfield, where historical performance and psychological resilience are paramount.

  • Next Steps: Close observation of England's tactical approach, player execution under pressure, and their ability to adapt to the Murrayfield atmosphere will be crucial in assessing their championship aspirations.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Murrayfield game important for England?
England has lost at Murrayfield for five years. Winning this game will show they can beat strong teams away from home.
Q: What does "Murrayfield ghosts" mean?
It means the team has had bad experiences and losses at Murrayfield in the past. They need to forget these bad memories.
Q: Has England been playing well lately?
Yes, England has won 12 games in a row. But most of these wins were at home.
Q: What are England players saying about the game?
Players like Maro Itoje and Ben Earl say they need to be confident and play strongly. They know the crowd can be loud.
Q: Is Scotland a strong team?
Yes, Scotland is a tough opponent, especially at home. England knows they must play their best to win.