Eight points from debutant Owen Farrell and a Charlie Hodgson try proved to be the difference as England saw off a sloppy Scotland side 13-6 at Murrayfield this weekend. England were under the pump in the second half but escaped with the win.
In what was England’s first win in the Scottish capital since 2004, the visitors managed to keep an aggressive Scottish attack at bay, although were massively assisted by the abundance of errors from the home side.
The Scottish dominated the territory and possession stats but aimless kicking, repeat infringements and too many basic errors meant they were unable to convert their chances into points; as typified by clear blown scoring chances from Ross Rennie and Greig Laidlaw.
Meanwhile England captain Chris Robshaw led from the front for “the auld enemy”, putting his body on the line as Scotland threw everything but the kitchen sink at the red rose defence.
But the men in blue were unable to convert their chances into points and gifted England the perfect start to their 2012 Six Nations campaign.
Interim England coach Stuart Lancaster was pleased with his side’s strong defence and strict discipline: “[Murrayfield] is a tough place to come and win, so that was a great result,” he said.
“We got a lot of things right, especially in defence where we showed great spirit and willingness to work. We always had an inner confidence in those new players and we’re delighted to get off the mark but it’s only step one.”
Meanwhile, Scotland coach Andy Robinson stated that his side’s failure to convert chances into points cost them the win: “We created enough chances, but we’re not taking them,” Robinson said.
“It’s important that we stay together. Everybody is very frustrated by the loss.”
With so much possesion in the second half but failing to score, what are Scotland doing wrong?
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