Scotland coach Gregor Townsend mentioned he was “so proud” of his crew 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 profitable 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 profitable streak in opposition to England to a file 5 video games.
“I am so pleased with the group for that effort,” Townsend advised reporters. “It in all probability surpasses, performance-wise, what we have executed the final two or three years.”
Scotland dominated the primary half and will need to have felt unlucky to guide 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 rather well, they stored 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 attempt that may have gained the sport, however Townsend was nonetheless filled with reward for his co-captain.
“Finn’s an impressive aim kicker,” he mentioned. “They have been robust kicks right now.”
Townsend’s file 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 slender victory after Tommy Freeman’s sole attempt within the first half.
Regardless of the defeat, co-captain Rory Darge was a lot happier together 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 feel the efficiency was so a lot better than final time,” Darge mentioned.
“It is vital in Check match rugby when you will have these purple patches, particularly within the first half, that you simply take your alternatives.”
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Relive three basic Six Nations video games between England and Scotland forward of their conflict in Cardiff this weekend.
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– WATCH: Relive a few of Six Nations’ basic video games
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