Scottish Calcutta Cup Magic
Why has the Calcutta Cup elevated Scotland to such lofty heights?
Former England international Courtney Lawes, among others, said in pre-match talks that Scotland would only stand up when playing their oldest rivals, but standing up would only get you so far.
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The accuracy, creativity and intelligence that Scotland displayed in these games was something that England struggled to cope with.
The Scots attack sharply, defend majesticly, and show their best when they need it most.
Finn lit up again against England!
Is there a more glorious sight in rugby than Finn Russell’s mood against England?
This is the mark Magic has made over the past few years. In 2018 we watched Journey of the Century and on Saturday we watched Movie of the Century which set the stage for Huw Jones’ first attempt.
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That was flashy stuff, but Russell’s extraordinary rugby mind was the difference as he orchestrated Scotland’s attack to devastating effect.
Glasgow captain Keir Stein was the man of the match for his outstanding performance, but Russell was at the heart of another epic Calcutta Cup victory.
Townsend Master Plan
Gregor Townsend was knocked off the post by fans and media after Scotland lost to Italy in the first round in Rome.
Just as he was criticized for Scotland’s mediocre performance at the Stadio Olimpico, the manager should be praised for a perfectly executed game plan that set England apart.
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Scotland played smarter rugby, won the aerial battles, disrupted England at the breakdown and although the fracas resulted in penalties, they always found a way to turn the tables back in their favour.
Many of Townsend’s choices were questioned – sticking with a back three that struggled at Roma, leaving Blair Kinghorn out of the 23 again, benching 5/3 against England’s 6/2 – but all his big calls paid off.
Five Calcutta Cups in six years is a truly astounding record and now Townsend needs his side to back it up when they take on Wales in Cardiff next weekend.
