Scotland 31-20 England: Gregor Townsend's side regain Calcutta Cup in Murrayfield thriller
BBC World
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scotland delivered a stunning 31-20 victory over England in the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield, bouncing back from their Six Nations defeat by Italy. The match was a thrilling encounter marked by Scotland's clinical performance and England's inability to contain their opponents. Finn Russell was instrumental for Scotland, orchestrating plays with precision and contributing significantly with his penalties and tries.
The game started strongly for Scotland, who established an early 17-0 lead within the first quarter. Huw Jones, Jamie Ritchie, and Ben White scored tries, while England struggled to maintain momentum due to two yellow cards given to Henry Arundell in the first half. This left England down 24-10 at halftime. Despite George Ford's efforts with the boot, Scotland continued to dominate, with Russell leading the charge and Jones adding a second try after intercepting an English error.
England briefly rallied in the second half, with Ben Earl scoring a late try to reduce the deficit to 11 points. However, Scotland held firm, showcasing their newfound intensity and ruthlessness. This win was a significant redemption for Scotland, who had faced criticism following their Rome defeat. The victory not only secured the Calcutta Cup but also highlighted their growth under head coach Gregor Townsend.
The match underscored Scotland's ability to perform under pressure and execute game-changing plays. Their dominance in key areas, including the scrum and attack, was pivotal to their success. For England, despite their efforts, the result served as a reminder of the challenges ahead as they aim to rebuild their rugby union program.
This victory is a morale booster for Scotland's rugby community and reinforces their status as a competitive force in international rugby. The game also captured the attention of global fans, making it a significant event in the world of sports.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026