Six Nations 2026: Bewildering, bewitching, bonkers - Scotland's perfect day against England

BBC World

February 14, 2026

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Scotland delivered a stunning 31-20 victory over England in the Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield, capping off a remarkable turnaround following their chastening defeat in Rome. Led by the resilient Sione Tuipulotu, who channeled the emotional pain of last week's loss into a fiery performance, Scotland displayed a ruthless and controlled intensity that left England reeling. This win not only showcased Scotland's ability to rise above adversity but also marked one of their most dominant performances against England in recent history. The match was a cathartic release for Scotland, who had been criticized heavily after their poor showing in Italy. Tuipulotu, speaking with the poise of a leader, described how the team internalized their pain and used it as fuel to dominate England. Head coach Gregor Townsend, though typically reserved, must have felt a sense of redemption, knowing his side could rise to the occasion when it mattered most. However, Scotland's victory came at a cost, with key players like Jack Dempsey, Jamie Ritchie, and Jamie Dobie ruled out for the upcoming match against Wales. Despite these absences, Townsend has shown a knack for rebuilding and finding depth in his squad. The challenge now is to build on this triumph and avoid falling into the trap of being one-hit wonders—a fate Scotland has often escaped. This win shifts the narrative from Scotland's struggles to England's inability to compete. It raises questions about why England have consistently underperformed against Scotland, a trend that continues despite their otherwise strong form in other matches. The onus now is on England to address their shortcomings and prove they can match Scotland's intensity when it matters. For Scotland, this victory is more than just another win over England; it’s proof of their growing confidence and ability to perform under pressure. As they prepare for Wales, the focus will be on replicating this dominance and finally breaking the cycle of one-off successes. Whether they can sustain this momentum will determine if Scotland can truly establish themselves as a force in the Six Nations. This

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Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026