Scotland Beats England in Rugby Game, Takes Cup

Scotland has beaten England in a big rugby game. They won with a score of 31-20. This means Scotland gets the Calcutta Cup back. England's long winning streak has ended.
By Newsroom | Sports, Rugby |

England, heavily favored to extend their winning streak, suffered a significant defeat at Murrayfield against Scotland in the Six Nations Championship. The match, held on February 14, 2026, saw Scotland triumph with a score of 31-20, reclaiming the coveted Calcutta Cup and ending England's twelve-match unbeaten run. This loss marks England's first since the opening weekend of the previous year's tournament.

'Murrayfield pain will make England a better team' - 1

Key Events and Performance Analysis

England's performance was widely described as "error-strewn" and lacking cohesion. Despite entering the match with strong form and a reputation for aerial dominance, they were consistently outplayed by a resurgent Scotland.

'Murrayfield pain will make England a better team' - 2

  • Early Dominance by Scotland: Scotland established a commanding 17-0 lead within the first quarter of the match, a testament to their aggressive start and England's inability to contain their attacking play. Tries from Jones (twice), Ritchie, and White propelled Scotland's formidable score.

  • England's Struggles: England's attempts to build momentum often faltered. While they showed flashes of threat, particularly through Henry Arundell's try, their execution was inconsistent. The team appeared to lack strategic shape, with attacks described as "punching for their lives but not actually landing anything." Key areas of concern identified include the midfield and starting back row.

  • Scotland's Tactical Success: Scotland's success was underpinned by strong offensive play, with Finn Russell repeatedly described as the "magician" and "playmaker" orchestrating key moments. They also effectively frustrated England at the breakdown, limiting their opportunities. Scotland's defence proved resilient, holding firm despite periods of English pressure.

Scotland's Tactical Masterclass

Scotland's victory was not merely a win but a demonstration of tactical acumen and player execution.

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'Murrayfield pain will make England a better team' - 3

  • Attacking Prowess: The Scottish attack was characterized as a "masterclass." They took advantage of opportunities, with key passes and well-executed tries leaving England scrambling.

  • Resilience and Control: Despite facing an England team aiming for a thirteenth consecutive win, Scotland maintained composure. They effectively managed the game's tempo, particularly in the initial stages, building a lead that proved insurmountable.

  • Coach's Vindication: The win offered a significant boost to Scotland's head coach, Gregor Townsend, who had faced pressure following a prior disappointment against Italy. Reports suggest the Scottish players "showed up" for him, delivering a performance that silenced doubters and elevated Scotland to the top of the Six Nations standings.

England's Persistent Issues at Murrayfield

The loss at Murrayfield reignites questions about England's historical struggles at the venue.

'Murrayfield pain will make England a better team' - 4

  • "Murrayfield Hoodoo": This defeat continues a pattern of difficult results for England in Edinburgh. The team has not won at Murrayfield since 2020, prompting discussions about breaking this "spell."

  • Missed Opportunities: England's inability to capitalize on their aerial advantage and frustration at the breakdown were cited as critical failures. The "bomb squad," a touted group of impactful replacements, did not deliver the expected change in momentum.

  • Pressure on Borthwick: With upcoming difficult fixtures against Ireland and other strong opponents, the pressure on England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, is expected to intensify, particularly if similar performances emerge.

Expert and Player Perspectives

  • Maro Itoje's Call for Resilience: England player Maro Itoje emphasized the need for his team to be "bulletproof" and "aggressive" when playing away from home, acknowledging that challenges are inherent to such fixtures. He expressed confidence in England's ability to handle adversity, despite the Murrayfield outcome.

  • Matt Dawson's Analysis: Former England international Matt Dawson noted England's lack of clear attacking structure, stating that their efforts felt desperate rather than effective. He highlighted the team's position of being "not playing well and were losing the scraps."

Implications and Future Outlook

The result at Murrayfield has immediate and significant implications for both teams' Six Nations campaigns.

Read More: Scotland Beats England to Win Back Calcutta Cup

  • Scotland's Ascendancy: Scotland's victory positions them as leaders in the championship, a remarkable turnaround from pre-match expectations.

  • England's Need for Re-evaluation: For England, the defeat necessitates a thorough review of their performance, particularly in areas of execution, strategic alignment, and mental fortitude, especially in away matches. The upcoming match against Ireland will be a critical test of their ability to recover and adapt.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the rugby match between Scotland and England?
Scotland won the match against England.
Q: What was the score?
The final score was Scotland 31, England 20.
Q: What trophy did Scotland win?
Scotland won the Calcutta Cup back from England.
Q: Did England's winning streak continue?
No, England's winning streak of twelve games ended with this loss.