Scotland v England LIVE: Result and reaction from Six Nations

Duhan van der Merwe scored a superb hat-trick as Scotland rugby beat England rugby 30-21 at Murrayfield to claim a fourth successive Six Nations win in the fixture for the first time since the 1890s.

England, seeking a third Six Nations win for the first time since 2020, led through a George Furbank try after five minutes and looked in control, only for Van der Merwe to strike twice to help the hosts to a somewhat flattering 17-13 half-time lead.

The winger, who scored two superb tries in Scotland’s victory at Twickenham last season, collected a Finn Russell kick three minutes into the second half for his third, and two Russell penalties stretched Scotland’s lead to 30-16.

England emptied their bench and replacement wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso grabbed their second try after 66 minutes but, unlike in their opening wins over Italy and Wales, they could not complete the comeback as Scotland claimed their second victory having agonisingly lost to France last time out.

Relive all the action from Murrayfield below:

Six Nations LIVE – Scotland v England

• Scotland beat England 30-21 in the Six Nations at Murrayfield

• Duhan van der Merwe scored a hat-trick as Scotland win a historic fourth Calcutta Cup clash in a row

• FULL-TIME! Scotland 30-21 England

• 67’ – TRY! Spencer sets Feyi-Waboso through for his first England try (SCO 30-21 ENG)

• 46’ – TRY! Van der Merwe completes his hat-trick after great Russell kick (SCO 24-13 ENG)

• 30’ – TRY! Van der Merwe shows his pace after turnover for long-range score (SCO 14-10 ENG)

• 20’ – TRY! Van der Merwe crashes over for superb try (SCO 7-10)

• 6’ – TRY! Furbank finishes off efficient set-piece strike move (SCO 0-7 ENG)

• Gregor Townsend’s side lost 20-16 to France last time out after being denied a last minute try

• Steve Borthwick’s men have won both of their matches in the Six Nations so far but have not hit their best form

Next up…

19:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The second fallow week will give Scotland and England plenty of time to recover, reflect and reload before back-to-back rounds bring this year’s Six Nations to a conclusion. Scotland travel to Italy in a fortnight, while England welcome Ireland to Twickenham bidding to stop another green grand slam charge.

Story continues

Six Nations 2024: Fixtures, schedule, kick-off times and results

Duhan Van Der Merwe scores hat-trick as Scotland strengthen grip on Calcutta Cup

19:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The magnificent Duhan Van Der Merwe became the first player to score a Calcutta Cup hat-trick for Scotland as they soared to their fourth consecutive victory over England in an intoxicating Guinness Six Nations showdown in Edinburgh.

The jet-heeled wing – who scored a stunning double at Twickenham just over 12 months ago – had the home crowd in raptures as he produced a Murrayfield masterclass to inspire his team to a 30-21 victory and move to within one of Scotland’s all-time record try-scorer Stuart Hogg.

Duhan Van Der Merwe scores hat-trick as Scotland strengthen grip on Calcutta Cup

England head coach Steve Borthwick says errors cost his side

18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Credit to Scotland for a very strong performance. They are a team who have been together for a good number of years and know what they are trying to do. We are a team that is trying to develop, and I think you saw aspects of our game take a step forward, the team trying to develop the attack, but when you turnover that much ball, it’s very tough to win a Test match against a team of Scotland’s quality.

“It’s going to take time. We know today wasn’t good enough, we made too many errors, and we’ve got to make sure it’s better going forward.

“You look at our first 20 today, I thought the guys started well, but in that second quarter our error rate went up. Scotland then scored far too easily off a strike play and a turnover, and you can’t allow a team to score that easily.

“Today wasn’t good enough. We wanted to win and we didn’t. But eight wins out of the last nine, there have been some results. We’ve got a two week build into Ireland and we’ll make sure we are better there.”

And the BBC grab Finn Russell for his thoughts on another Calcutta Cup triumph

18:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“We are a team that have achieved quite a bit, set a few records, but there’s still a long way to go. We are not getting ahead of ourselves. I’ve been here with Scotland for nearly ten years now, and we’ve been beaten by 60 points down at Twickenham or by a point up here. It’s been nice being on the other side of it for the last few years.

“I’ve been struggling a bit with my goalkicking at Bath but it’s been going well in this tournament. It’s great for the team, I think, keeping the scoreboard at ticking and England at arm’s length.

“We had a really professional week building up to this game. We managed to beat a really good England team today. I think the most frustrating thing about the France game will be if we do manage to go to Italy and get a win – we’d be looking back at that game as pretty frustrating. But that’s sport and these things happen. For us, we just had to do our job this week and today and hopefully go over to Italy and do a professional job there as well.”

England captain Jamie George on his side’s defeat

18:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“We really felt in a good way coming into this game, we laid some good foundations, but we made life hard for ourselves today,” George tells the BBC. The first 20 minutes was probably the best we’ve played for a while now but we got hit with a couple of thunderbolts, Duhan van der Merwe showing his world-class capabilities, and when you gift a team 14 points you are going to struggle.

“We spoke about having a fast start and I don’t see many issues with how we played in the first half, but we were a little bit loose maybe. You hand the ball over to Finn Russell and Duhan van der Merwe, they can create magic. A lot of what we did was good, a lot of what we created with the ball was good, but we just can’t hand the ball over to a team like that.

“I think we are very clear on how we want to play, the way we want to defend, attack and take teams on. Set-piece wise we put Scotland under pressure, our kicking game was good, we’ve just got to piece things together. We’ve got a couple of weeks leading in to Ireland and we’ve got to make use of that time.”

Scotland retain the Calcutta Cup

18:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A lovely touch from the Scotland team, giving the retiring Dr James Robson the honour of lifting the Calcutta Cup as he prepares to bow out after this Six Nations. Happy memories for a great servant in his final game at Murrayfield after 30 years spent patching up Scottish rugby players.

Duhan van der Merwe speaks to the BBC after his match-winning hat-trick

18:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I can’t believe it, to be honest. I’ve never scored a hat-trick for Scotland and to do it today is so special. I must be waking up and feeling like scoring tries – I’m just the lucky one to finish them off.

“I’m buzzing. It shows you where we are going. I want to thank all the supporters for coming out, it means a lot to us. We’re building.”

FT: Scotland 30-21 England

18:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Four in a row! For the first time since the 1890s, Scotland hold the Calcutta Cup for the fourth successive year – and boy how those sips of victory will taste sweet tonight! They keep their Six Nations hopes alive thanks to a fine controlling performance from Finn Russell, a serious physical effort from the home pack and three scintillating scores from wing wonder Duhan van der Merwe.

FULL TIME! SCOTLAND 30-21 ENGLAND

18:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland 30-21 England, 79 minutes

18:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But Scotland will hold on! Elliot Millar-Mills and Ewan Ashman lock their limbs around Ben Spencer in a winning embrace, holding the scrum half up for long enough to satisfy the referee a maul has been formed, and then collapsing to the floor in delight.

There are still 30 seconds left, but victory is theirs.

YELLOW CARD! Duhan van der Merwe is sent to the sin bin! Scotland 30-21 England, 79 minutes

18:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A match-winning performance from Duhan van der Merwe will end on a bum note, the Scotland wing shown yellow by referee Andrew Brace after taking Tommy Freeman beyond the horizontal and dumping him on his back.

England have a minute and a half to find two scores…

Scotland 30-21 England, 77 minutes

18:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England place their order at the last chance saloon, but it never arrives – Ollie Lawrence throws a rather wretched pass to no-one in particular and it hobbles into touch.

Scotland 30-21 England, 75 minutes

18:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The knock-ons continue from England, allowing Finn Russell to pin them back with a couple of punts. But a silly penalty against George Horne for advancing in front of the kicker gives England stable ball – punted into the Scotland half.

Scotland 30-21 England, 73 minutes

18:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Stuart looks to put pressure on the Scotland scrum but gets his set-up wrong, the free kick allowing Scotland to swallow up more crucial seconds.

Scotland 30-21 England, 72 minutes

18:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

George Furbank attempts to create something from nothing on the counter-attack, jinking and jiving up to the line but then forcing an offload that isn’t on to Ollie Chessum. Chesusm knocks on.

Scotland take another minute out of the game playing with the advantage, before drawing another knock on out of Joe Marler.

Cameron Redpath has taken a bang to the nose, which requires patching up. Ben Healy is on, with Finn Russell Scotland’s third inside centre of the evening.

Scotland 30-21 England, 70 minutes

18:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Superb defence from Scotland. Finn Russell makes a strong hit and then it’s sterling work from Jack Dempsey, catching Maro Itoje carrying high and holding him up off the floor. Turnover ball, Scotland’s scrum.

Scotland 30-21 England, 69 minutes

18:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Do Scotland try to shut the game down, or do they want to kill it off? The latter, it appears, with a bonus point within reach, but a barge on Maro Itoje from Ewan Ashman having run a dummy line gives England a penalty.

Fin Smith punts it down towards the Scotland 22, with Theo Dan on to throw the lineout.

TRY! Scotland 30-21 ENGLAND (Immanuel Feyi-Waboso try, 67 minutes)

18:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hope for England! Immanuel Feyi-Waboso scythes through!

He’d barely been on 30 seconds! Feyi-Waboso replaces Henry Slade before the restart and is immediately involved, leading the chase up the right that eventually resulted in English possession.

The visitors play to the left and Feyi-Waboso spots an opportunity, arriving at the line late to leave Cameron Redpath unaware of his presence, and sprinting through the hole to the replacement Scottish centre’s right.

Can Fin Smith convert? Not quite, off the upright!

PENALTY! SCOTLAND 30-16 England (Finn Russell penalty, 66 minutes)

18:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pinpoint and precise. Scotland lead by two converted scores.

Scotland 27-16 England, 64 minutes

18:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The game is opening up as England’s urgency grows. Ben Earl almost breaks away but Elliot Millar-Mills gets to his legs, the prop bouncing to his feet and deemed to have contested legally as Maro Itoje slips off his feet.

Penalty Scotland’s way, and this should be three more from Finn Russell’s right boot…

Scotland 27-16 England, 63 minutes

18:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A glimpse of the counter-attacking intuition of George Furbank as he arcs to find space, but an outstanding cover tackle and errant offload prevent the full-back capitalising.

George Horne replaces Ben White at scrum half for Scotland. Here’s how Duhan van der Merwe completed his hat-trick:

Scotland 27-16 England, 61 minutes

18:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A mightily intriguing England change – young Fin Smith is on at fly half, the 21-year-old so impressive for Northampton this season and replacing George Ford. Joe Marler is on, too, while Scotland have swapped props – former England international Alec Hepburn replaces Pierre Schoeman, while Elliot Millar-Mills is back with us after that brief cameo earlier.

Scotland 27-16 England, 60 minutes

18:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Blair Kinghorn makes a hash of Ford’s next skier, though, and Maro Itoje accepts his knock on. England’s ball, ten metres inside the Scotland half.

But not for long! Ewan Ashman wrestles the ball free from Will Stuart and after an aborted clearance from Ben White, Finn Russell turns Elliot Daly with a rather better effort.

Daly finds touch on the England ten-metre line.

Scotland 27-16 England, 59 minutes

18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s no sense of desperation from England just yet, sticking with their kicking game as both George Ford and Ben Spencer test the aerospace above Murrayfield. Scotland successful direct the air traffic.

PENALTY! SCOTLAND 27-16 England (Finn Russell penalty, 58 minutes)

18:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Easy enough for Finn Russell from bang in front. Scotland extend their advantage.

Scotland 24-16 England, 57 minutes

18:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jack Dempsey wriggles out of contact and makes five metres or so, sufficient progress to ensure that England’s attempts to regather their line speed result in an offside penalty. Ben Earl the man picked up; a cheer from the home crowd as Finn Russell lines up his shot at goal.

Scotland 24-16 England, 55 minutes

18:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Spencer seeks to snipe around the fringes but finds all avenues blocked, dribbling a little kick into the knees of one alleyway bouncer. He appears to knock on the rebound, but holds on regardless to concede a penalty.

Will Stuart and Chandler Cunningham-South replace Dan Cole and Sam Underhill.

Scotland 24-16 England, 54 minutes

18:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A double change from Gregor Townsend, with Andy Christie and Ewan Ashman replacing Jamie Ritchie and George Turner in the pack. They are part of a scrum shove that is penalised, Andrew Brace deeming Zander Fagerson teh cause of the collapse.

Scotland 24-16 England, 53 minutes

18:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s blitz shuts down the space but Duhan van der Merwe somehow escapes, juggling the ball up into the air as he slips out of contact and then meeting two more men for good measure. Scotland spill soon enough, though – strong defence from England as they look to fight their way back.

Scotland 24-16 England, 51 minutes

17:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A fumble from George Martin as Scotland send up the restart quickly, initially called backwards by referee Andrew Brace but his assistant disagrees. Ben White will feed a Scotland scrum 15 metres from England’s line.

PENALTY! Scotland 24-16 ENGLAND (George Ford penalty, 51 minutes)

17:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

After that pause, George Ford knocks over the three points.

Scotland 24-13 England, 49 minutes

17:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Or not! It’s a tucked arm clearout from Ellis Genge, but he’s gone straight into the back of teammate Ollie Chessum. A bit luck for Ellis Genge, and some unwelcome friendly fire for the Leicester lock – had Genge’s thrust been a foot to the right, where Jamie Ritchie’s head was, he’d have been a spectator for the remainder.

Scotland 24-13 England, 49 minutes

17:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jamie Ritchie is penalised at a breakdown. George Ford calls for the tee.

Hang on, though – Ellis Genge could be in trouble for a clearout…

Scotland 24-13 England, 48 minutes

17:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steve Borthwick feels it is time to act with his side now properly in the mire. George Martin is on in the back row and Ben Spencer replaces Danny Care at scrum half.

And Martin makes an immediate impact, bowling over a defender with a muscular first carry. Into the Scotland 22 England go.

TRY! SCOTLAND 24-13 England (Duhan van der Merwe try, 46 minutes)

17:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s the hat-trick!

Another superb Scotland score! It’s Cameron Redpath who sparks it, spinning away from a would-be England tackler and then shimmying into space having collected a charged-down Finn Russell kick.

The fly half makes amends for his error in some style, a deft clip off the right foot beautifully judged, allowing Van der Merwe to embrace the bouncing ball and score his 26th Test try. Another touchline conversion from Russell – Scotland are turning the screw.

Scotland 17-13 England, 44 minutes

17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England also look to have a bit of a midfield injury concern. Henry Slade requiring treatment before George Ford can punt to touch. Elliot Daly would presumably be England’s cover at 13, though Immanuel Feyi-Waboso did play a bit of centre growing up.

Slade will continue, for now at least.

Scotland 17-13 England, 44 minutes

17:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scottish forwards thump into their English counterparts, the home attack just getting a little congested before Finn Russell commands his backline to spread. But Scotland lose a bit of focus, and Pierre Schoeman’s supporting clearers aren’t quite with him as he picks and drives from the base of a ruck – Sam Underhill has pounced on any posssible jackal opportunity today and again capitalises to earn a vital penalty ten metres from his own line.

Scotland 17-13 England, 43 minutes

17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A clever kick to the corner turns England, and though Jamie George’s long lineout toss finds a midfield collector, Danny Care’s boxed clearance is shallow and doesn’t escape the 22. Attacking ball for the hosts.

Scotland 17-13 England, 41 minutes

17:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bad news for Scotland – Sione Tuipulotu is limping off. The centre had re-emerged with a load of strappping on his knee, and then tore it all off just before entering the playing surface, but he looks in a bit of discomfort.

Cameron Redpath, so impressive on debut at Twickenham in this fixture three years ago, replaces him. Two Bath inside centres on the pitch.

Scotland 17-13 England, 41 minutes

17:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Finn Russell gets things back underway.

Second half…

17:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland are 40 minutes from a fourth successive Calcutta Cup win – but they’ve struggled to maintain their effort into the second half so far this Six Nations. Can they take control of this error-prone contest?

HT: Scotland 17-13 England

17:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An odd half to figure out, that. A high error count, low penalty count combo has meant a game that has felt short of structure at times, with plenty of scrappy stuff from both teams. The two moments of real quality were split evenly, England’s opening score from the set-piece beautifully constructed, and Scotland’s first try off the top of a lineout equally effective.

But it’s Duhan van der Merwe‘s cut through the chaos that has the hosts in front:

HALF TIME: Scotland 17-13 England

17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland 17-13 England, 40 minutes

17:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Powerful mauling from England to make ten metres or so, but a final handling error in an untidy first half brings it to an end.

Scotland 17-13 England, 38 minutes

17:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland play away from a lineout just inside England’s half, twice trying to work hands to the outside of that hard outside blitz. England’s shooters get their timing right, shutting Scotland down and taking them behind the gainline twice, allowing Henry Slade to hack a spilled pass upfield.

England’s chase is good, but Scotland manufacture a clearance. George Ford sends something skywards, and Finn Russell marks it. His kick will give England an attacking platform on the ten-metre line.

Drop goal! Scotland 17-13 ENGLAND (George Ford drop goal, 37 minutes)

17:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England answer! Shades of that game against Argentina in Marseille from George Ford, dropping into the pocket as England lose momentum and slotting with minimal fuss.

PENALTY! SCOTLAND 17-10 England (Finn Russell penalty, 35 minutes)

17:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

He’s yet to miss in this year’s championship – that’s 12 from 12 off the tee from Finn Russell.

Scotland 14-10 England, 45 minutes

17:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A penalty inside England’s 22 should allow Finn Russell to add three more to the Scottish tally.

Scotland 14-10 England, 33 minutes

17:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nearly another for Van der Merwe! This helter-skelter contest continues, Huw Jones spinning out of a tackle and then toeing on, his big wing first to the ball as it spins like a top on the surface. Van der Merwe fly hacks and would surely have got there to ground if not for Elliot Daly’s outstretched right foot, a vital save from the England wing to deny his opposite number a hat-trick.

TRY! SCOTLAND 14-10 England (Duhan van der Merwe try, 30 minutes)

17:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Duhan van der Merwe scorches a trail up the touchline and races away!

What an athlete he is! It’s another England error that creates the opportunity, George Ford’s pass slightly high for George Furbank, a flick of the fingers and into the face before rebounding into Scottish hands.

Huw Jones’s paws are rather more secure and his pass is sharp, putting Van der Merwe into space. Ben Earl is quick for a back rower but nowhetre near quick enough to keep up with Van der Merwe in full pyroclastic flow, the Scotland wing burning Henry Slade on the angle and stomping into the left corner. Finn Rusell converts.

Scotland 7-10 England, 28 minutes

17:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another relatively shallow Scottish clearance allows England to try another set-piece manoeuvre, but the centres clunk again, leaving the ball, you guessed it, on the deck.

Scrappy stuff, this. England win the ball back on the floor but can’t make much of the possession.

Scotland 7-10 England, 27 minutes

17:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Some punchy carries from England, Ben Earl and Jamie George making metres before George Furbank niftily steps in at first receiver to send Ollie Chessum half through a hole. Scotland manage to stall their momentum so Elliot Daly goes to the boot, skudding a kick in behind Kyle Steyn. Steyn looks to shepherd it over the touchline but Daly gets an arm to it, though the assistant referee is satisfied the ball was in touch before Daly clawed it into Steyn’s face.

Scotland 7-10 England, 25 minutes

17:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s maul begins to roll out of the station, but Ben Earl is thrown off the tracks at the back of the carriage and Scotland force England out.

George Turner hits his jumper at the front and Ben White hooks a clearance up towards his own ten-metre line.

Scotland 7-10 England, 22 minutes

17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England back up the concession of that score with another loose moment, a needless penalty in the Scottish half.

But that’s better from Steve Borthwick’s side, Sam Underhill – clad in a scrum cap this week – winning his second jackal turnover of the game after another good tackle from George Ford.

TRY! SCOTLAND 7-10 England (Duhan van der Merwe try, 20 minutes)

17:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Blitz beaten; a brilliant Scottish score!

Right up the middle! A long pass from Ben White finds Sione Tuipulotu, who is so good at distributing at the line. Ollie Lawrence jumps out at him, while Henry Slade is overly concerned with Finn Russell out the back, allowing Huw Jones to slice up the centre untouched.

Jones is felled fifteen metres out but has the presence of mind and sharpness of hands to offload off the deck for Duhan van der Merwe, who will not be halted!

Scotland 0-10 England, 18 minutes

17:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The ball seems to have spent quite a lot of time on the floor so far. It hits the deck four times in quick succession near halfway, neither side quite able to get to grips with it. Scotland’s scrum.

Scotland 0-10 England, 17 minutes

17:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland are compounding their errors a bit here. Another errant lineout is swept up by the backs but Duhan van der Merwe is stripped by George Ford, before Sam Underhill’s jackal is rewarded as Scotland cling on to the ball on the floor.

Zander Fagerson has passed his HIA and replaces Elliot Millar-Mills.

Scotland 0-10 England, 16 minutes

17:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland try to catch England napping with a speedy restart, and while it is gathered, George Furbank’s attempted clearance is sliced and ugly.

George Turner’s overthrow bounces into midfield, and England scramble to it first. Danny Care thumps his box kick into space up the right…but out on the full it flies! There was open acreage for Care to find but he got his angles wrong.

PENALTY! Scotland 0-10 ENGLAND (George Ford penalty, 15 minutes)

17:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Easy enough for George Ford from just left of centre. Posts bisected; England’s lead extended.

Scotland 0-7 England, 14 minutes

17:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England are winning the aerial contest decisivvely so far. Twice chasers manage to tap back high hoists from George Ford, and there’s an advantage coming as the visitors try to build an attack.

A rather more aimless use of the boot from Ford ends it, but back he will come to kick the breakdown penalty for the poles.

Scotland 0-7 England, 12 minutes

17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England are desperate to get after Elliot Millar-Mills – too desperate, in fact, free kicked again for their over eagerness in the scrum shoving. Finn Russell sends up a firework, which England safely extinguish.

Scotland 0-7 England, 12 minutes

16:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another fumble! It is dry, strangely, at Murrayfield, but there appears to just be a bit of moisture on the top of the surface, and Ollie Lawrence can’t quite grasp a pass cleanly.

This was rather more accurate from England.

Scotland 0-7 England, 11 minutes

16:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Having run the decoy lines for the try, Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade are this time utilised, but a malfunction at the junction sees the ball hit the deck. Knocked on.

Scotland aren’t keen to set the scrum again having been given a free kick on the engagement. Finn Russell tonks it into the England 22, and England reply in kind.

Scotland 0-7 England, 9 minutes

16:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Millar-Mills is immediately pinged after Scotland knock on. Turning in and going to floor the call…ooh, I’m not sure Ellis Genge’s own actions were entirely legal. Still, penalty England, and back into Scotland’s half they go.

Scotland 0-7 England, 7 minutes

16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another real worry for Scotland – Zander Fagerson is being hauled off for an HIA, perhaps due to a reading from the new smart mouthguards that have been introduced for this Six Nations.

Elliot Millar-Mills comes on. Fagerson may yet be back if he passes that assessment, but Millar-Mills is light on top-level experience…

What are smart mouthguards and how are they being used in the Six Nations?

TRY! Scotland 0-7 ENGLAND (George Furbank try, 6 minutes)

16:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Scotland are cut to ribbons!

A first Test try for George Furbank! Dynamite attacking rugby from England from the set piece, using their centres as dummy runners and playing crisply out the back. Ben Earl finds a looping Danny Care behind Ollie Lawrence’s feigned crash ball, with similarly ignored to allow George Ford to arc into space. Elliot Daly provides extra hands off his blindside wing, and once he’s free of the first tackler the job is a good’un. Furbank takes Daly’s pass five out and slides over the slick Murrayfield surface – Ford’s conversion is simple as you like.

Scotland 0-0 England, 5 minutes

16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A reset and a free kick as the two front rows acquaint themselves with one another, the ball swapped from Ben White’s hands into Danny Care’s as England opt to pack down again having got the whistle their way.

Solid that time, Ben Earl charging away and sparking an attack…

Scotland 0-0 England, 2 minutes

16:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Loose again from Scotland, spilling on the fringes of their own 22 and allowing Dan Cole to pounce – or at the very least pick up – the loose ball.

Ollie Lawrence fires a sharp pass at the line and England win the gainline, but a floaty flick from the base of the ruck from Danny Care lands between Ellis Genge and Henry Slade, the latter knocking on the bouncing ball.

Scotland 0-0 England, 1 minute

16:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Immediate ambition from Scotland! Blair Kinghorn leaps high to take the kick off and Scotland fancy an early attack, playing to the left but not quite cleanly enough to capitalise on space apparent.

England aren’t nearly as adventurous, going to the air. George Ford’s high, hanging kick is claimed by Tommy Freeman, but Scotland are across to force Ben Earl over the touchline.

Scotland vs England

16:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here we go then, the middle match of the middle weekend of this Six Nations. England will get us underway, referee Andrew Brace making his final checks as George Ford waits.

A peep of the whistle, a drop of ball to boot, and Scotland vs England is underway!

Scotland vs England

16:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out they come past the Calcutta Cup, that old silver tankard shining bright beneath the disappearing sun. The Scottish home support are already in outstanding voice.

Scotland vs England

16:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ahead of kick off, those inside the ground pay tribute to the retiring Dr James Robson, for so long a sideline stalwart for Scotland and the British & Irish Lions. He’ll finish up at the end of this Six Nations campaign after more than 30 years working within rugby – a remarkable stint for one of the sport’s most generous individuals.

Right, the two sides are getting ready in the tunnel, Jamie George taking a moment as the emotions swirl. A tough, but hopefully immensely proud, day for the England captain.

Scotland vs England

16:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a dry day at Murrayfield, which looks packed to the rafters for the visit of the Auld Enemy. England went back to a more pragmatic approach in the second half against Wales but have tried to play more expansively in this Six Nations so far – and George Furbank’s selection perhaps hints at a desire to attack this evening.

Why power-packed pair could hold the key to getting England’s attack firing

Scotland vs England

16:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A broad smile on the face of Finn Russell as he and the Scottish backline work through some final drills. What have he and Gregor Townsend concocted to try and best this much talked about England defence?

Scotland v England team news

16:21 , Luke Baker

Blair Kinghorn returns to the Scotland side after overcoming injury, with Kyle Steyn also returning to the starting back three having been a late scratch against France due to the impending arrival of his newborn daughter. Former skipper Jamie Ritchie is brought back on the blindside to complement Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey in the back row, with Matt Fagerson out of the squad entirely.

England also switch full backs, though Freddie Steward’s demotion comes as more of a surprise after a strong performance in the win over Wales. George Furbank is preferred to the Leicester man after an impressive season leading Northampton to the top of the Premiership table, and offers an extra pair of distributing hands with Ollie Lawrence in to add carrying potency in midfield after injury. Danny Care replaces the injured Alex Mitchell at scrum half and wins his 99th cap, while George Martin returns to the bench.

Scotland XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 George Turner, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Grant Gilchrist, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Jamie Ritchie, 7 Rory Darge (co-capt), 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell (co-capt); 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Kyle Steyn; 15 Blair Kinghorn.

Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Elliot Millar-Mills, 19 Sam Skinner, 20 Andy Christie; 21 George Horne, 22 Ben Healy, 23 Cameron Redpath.

England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George (capt), 3 Dan Cole; 4 Maro Itoje, 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Ethan Roots, 7 Sam Underhill, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Danny Care, 10 George Ford; 11 Elliot Daly, 12 Ollie Lawrence, 13 Henry Slade, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 George Furbank.

Replacements: 16 Theo Dan, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Will Stuart, 19 George Martin, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South; 21 Ben Spencer, 22 Fin Smith, 23 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.

England and Scotland face fork in the road with Calcutta Cup set to define their Six Nations

16:12 , Luke Baker

“There’s certainly going to be some niggle,” predicted Kevin Sinfield, a smile spreading almost involuntarily across his face. England’s assistant coach may not be as versed in the Calcutta Cup rivalry as some on Steve Borthwick’s staff, but the ex-rugby league star has learned quickly what this fixture means, a tussle of thistle and rose so often appropriately thorny.

“When you’ve got two angry, nasty forward packs wanting to go at each other, there’ll be some niggle,” Sinfield expanded. “It’s a Test match, there’s a lot at stake, we haven’t won against them for a number of years – no doubt there’ll be some niggle.”

For England, this trip north feels like a game of paramount importance. It is four years since they last swigged the sips of success from the old silver chalice, and seven since they put on a performance to be proud of in this fixture. The middle weekend is the natural Six Nations pivot point but England’s path from here will be significantly rockier if their rough recent run does not end. Win and they’ll carry momentum through to a demanding two-week coda in which performances may matter more than results; lose and another two-win tournament may well beckon with fixtures against Ireland and France to come.

Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s full preview of the game:

England and Scotland face fork in the road with Calcutta Cup to define Six Nations

New dad Kyle Steyn keen to keep Calcutta Cup in Scotland’s hands

16:01 , Luke Baker

New father Kyle Steyn is intent on helping Scotland maintain their recent ownership of the Calcutta Cup this weekend after watching helplessly from his couch as his team-mates suffered an agonising Six Nations defeat against France last time out.

The Glasgow wing was named in the starting XV for the Murrayfield showdown with Les Bleus a week past Saturday, but he had to withdraw on the morning of the game after his wife Ally went into labour late on the Friday afternoon.

Steyn’s daughter, Arabella, eventually arrived via Caesarean section late on Monday morning, almost two days after the 20-16 defeat by France in which the Scots were controversially denied victory after the officials decided against awarding them a late try when Sam Skinner thought he had grounded the ball on the whitewash.

New dad Kyle Steyn keen to keep Calcutta Cup in Scotland’s hands

Alfie Barbeary hoping to seize chance as England A face Portugal

15:53 , Luke Baker

There is one more fixture this weekend that we have not yet touched on, with the grand return of England’s ‘A’ side at Welford Road.

World Cup darlings Portugal are in Leicester for an intriguing encounter with a second-string squad chock full of bright young talents – with Alfie Barbeary one of England’s top prospects.

Alfie Barbeary: ‘I shot myself in the foot – but I know Steve Borthwick is watching’

Scotland v England build-up

15:41 , Luke Baker

England to wear black armbands

15:32 , Luke Baker

We’re just receiving news that England will wear black armbands during this afternoon’s Calcutta Cup clash. That’s in honour of Jamie George’s mother, who died of cancer last week.

The skipper will lead England out on what is likely to be a very emotional day.

Everything you need to know about Scotland v England

15:21 , Luke Baker

Scotland will hope to continue their recent Calcutta Cup dominance as England come to Murrayfield for a crucial Six Nations fixture.

It is four years since England last took victory in this famous fixture, with that narrow 2020 win their sole success in the last six editions of the clash.

For Gregor Townsend’s hosts, victory is surely a must after a much-debated defeat to France before the first fallow week left their hopes of mounting a title challenge slim.

Steve Borthwick, meanwhile, will know his side must be better than against Wales as they look to continue to build momentum.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Scotland v England live stream: How to watch Six Nations online and on TV

Ireland v Wales set for second half

15:10 , Luke Baker

Before we get to the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield, there’s another Six Nations match happening.

Ireland are currently hosting Wales at the Aviva Stadium and they’re continuing their seemingly inexorable march to a grand slam.

They lead 17-0 at half-time with Dan Sheehan and James Lowe scoring the tries. It’s now 148 minutes without conceding a point for Ireland – a ridiculous stat really.

You can follow the second half of that clash here:

Ireland v Wales LIVE: Six Nations rugby score and updates from Dublin

Danny Care is not done yet – England’s great survivor on Scotland and newfound ‘freedom’

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The shadows may be lengthening for Danny Care as he dances in his international twilight but the scrum-half has lost little of his trademark spark. With a cheery grin and a wry comment or three, he bounced into the room at England’s Pennyhill Park training base earlier this week, fresh off the training paddock. “Fancy this,” Care quipped, looking out on the dipping afternoon sun and back on a career on which the sun seemed to have twice set.

If his axing in 2019 before the World Cup left a slim chance of a recall, then a second unedifying dumping, after a surprise recall for the 2022 tour of Australia, appeared to have slammed the book shut for good. But Steve Borthwick brought him back for a final chapter in England white ahead of the World Cup, and Care responded by re-establishing himself in the buzzing bench role for which he has always been so well suited.

With Alex Mitchell injured, there’s every chance of a start against Scotland on Saturday that will be his first in the Six Nations for six years. It will be a 99th England cap in total – and the crepuscular Care isn’t done yet.

Danny Care is not done yet – England’s survivor on Scotland and ‘freedom’

Gregor Townsend says Calcutta Cup success is Scotland’s sole focus

14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gregor Townsend says Scotland’s sole focus is on winning their “biggest game of the season” against England this weekend and maintaining their recent dominance of the Calcutta Cup.

The Scots go into today’s showdown with their bitter rivals knowing they will almost certainly require a victory to stay in contention for the Guinness Six Nations title after their controversial defeat by France last time out.

Townsend is adamant that any lingering injustice from ‘trygate’ a fortnight ago has been parked and that any talk of contending for the title can remain firmly on the backburner until after their high-stakes encounter with Steve Borthwick’s side.

Gregor Townsend says Calcutta Cup success is Scotland’s sole focus

Scotland vs England

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Could this be a match upon which the whole championship pivots? Scotland need a win to stay in the title hunt, while an England victory would set them up perfectly for the encounters with Ireland and France to come.

England and Scotland face fork in the road with Calcutta Cup to define Six Nations

An emotional day for Jamie George

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s been a tough week for Jamie George, the England skipper losing his mother last Wednesday but electing to remain in camp with his squadmates. The hooker, who spoke movingly on the subject on Thursday, is certain it is what his mum would have wanted.

Jamie George using his mother’s recent death as inspiration for Scotland showdown

Craig Chalmers urges Scotland to use frustration of France loss against England

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Craig Chalmers has told Scotland they must ensure the sense of injustice at not winning the controversial Guinness Six Nations match against France does not derail the remainder of their championship.

The 55-year-old former fly-half was as exasperated as anyone while watching from the Murrayfield stands as referee Nic Berry and TMO Brian MacNeice decided they were unable to award the Scots a match-winning try when the ball appeared to have been grounded on the line by substitute Sam Skinner in the last action of the game.

It meant Les Bleus clung on to win 20-16, ending any hopes of a Scottish Grand Slam and ensuring bitterness and frustration in the home camp over the last fortnight.

Craig Chalmers urges Scotland to use frustration of France loss against England

Why Ollie Lawrence could hold the key to getting England’s attack firing

13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ollie Lawrence returns to the England midfield today, giving the visitors a much-needed carrying option in the centres. Here, we dig into the data to explain why he could be the key to getting their attack clicking:

Why power-packed pair could hold the key to getting England’s attack firing

Kevin Sinfield believes continuity key to Scottish success

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England assistant coach Kevin Sinfield believes that Gregor Townsend deserves credit for building continuity within his Scotland squad to help them establish their Calcutta Cup supremacy.

Scotland have not beaten England in four consecutive years since the 1890s, but have the chance to repeat that feat this evening.

“I think you have to say Gregor has done a good job,” Sinfield said earlier this week. “They’ve had continuity – the vast majority of their squad comes from the two teams that play up there. I think that continuity helps. You look across the water at Ireland as well, it’s probably helped those two over the years.

“It looks like Gregor has got them playing some good stuff. They are improving and getting better each year. It’ll be a great challenge for us.

“I’ve never been one to look back and think that what has gone on in the recent past affects what is going to happen, but I think it is important we understand what has gone on. It is a reference point for us.

“We’ve been burned a couple of times, and a couple of players in the opposition team are outstanding. We’ve got to do our best to take care of them.”

Scotland hoping Darcy Graham will return after Six Nations showdown with England

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland are hopeful that talismanic wing Darcy Graham will be fit enough to play a part in the Guinness Six Nations even though he will stay on the sidelines fortodays Calcutta Cup showdown with England.

The 26-year-old – who is second on the national team’s all-time try-scoring list – missed the opening two matches of the championship against Wales and France with a quad problem.

Graham was scheduled to return to the fold for this weekend’s Murrayfield clash with England, but it emerged on Monday that he had suffered a new groin issue while training with Edinburgh last week, which has ruled him out of contention.

Scotland hoping Darcy Graham will return after Six Nations showdown with England

Scotland v England referee: Who is Six Nations official Andrew Brace?

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Andrew Brace will referee Scotland vs England at Murrayfield in round three of the 2024 Six Nations.

Born in Cardiff, Brace represents the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) after a childhood spent between Wales and Ireland.

A former community rugby officer for Munster, the 35-year-old represented Belgium during a brief international playing career, qualifying for the country via his father’s family.

Match officials for Scotland vs England, Saturday 24 February (4.45pm GMT, Murrayfield)

Referee: Andrew Brace (Ire)

Assistant Referees: Chris Busby (Ire) & Eoghan Cross (Ire)

TMO: Marius Jonker (SA)

Scotland v England referee: Who is Six Nations official Andrew Brace?

England’s Joe Marler fired up by sight of Scottish Calcutta Cup celebrations

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Joe Marler is desperate to help England wrestle back the Calcutta Cup on Saturday after growing exasperated with Scotland’s recent dominance of the fixture.

The 33-year-old prop grew up in an era when the Red Rose firmly held the upper hand over the Scots and he was on the winning side four times in a row after first playing in the highly-charged showdown in 2014.

The tables have turned since 2018, however. Scotland have lost only one of their last six matches against the Auld Enemy under Gregor Townsend and go into this weekend’s match buoyed by having won each of the last three.

That situation rankles with Marler, who is intent on ensuring England are celebrating on enemy territory come Saturday evening.

“It would just be nice to be on the winning end of it for once because it has been so long since we have,” he said at Murrayfield on the eve of the match.

England’s Joe Marler fired up by sight of Scottish Calcutta Cup celebrations

Courtney Lawes follows Owen Farrell to France after agreeing Brive switch

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Courtney Lawes will ply his trade in France next season after agreeing a summer switch to Pro D2 club Brive.

Lawes concluded his England career at the end of last year’s Rugby World Cup and will now depart English rugby after completing a move to the second-tier French side.

It brings to a close a glittering career for the flanker at Northampton Saints, who had hoped to keep the 35-year-old at the club.

The back row has made 274 appearances across 17 seasons at Franklin’s Gardens and will hope to sign off with a trophy with Saints currently top of the Premiership.

Lawes admitted that making the decision to leave his boyhood club had been tough but the offer from Brive was “transformational” for his family.

Courtney Lawes follows Owen Farrell to France after agreeing Brive switch

RFU ditches leaked plan to ‘sell Twickenham and buy half of Wembley’

12:15 , Mike Jones

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) drew up extraordinary plans to sell Twickenham and buy half of Wembley Stadium, leaked documents have revealed.

According to reports in the Times and the Daily Telegraph, the RFU explored the option of selling Twickenham as an alternative to spending £663m on redeveloping the 82,000-capacity stadium in south west London.

As part of the plans, the RFU explored the possibility of buying 50 per cent of Wembley and sharing the stadium with the English Football Association.

RFU ditches leaked plan to ‘sell Twickenham and buy half of Wembley’

Alfie Barbeary hoping to seize chance as England A face Portugal

12:02 , Mike Jones

There is one more fixture this weekend that we have not yet touched on, with the grand return of England’s ‘A’ side at Welford Road.

World Cup darlings Portugal are in Leicester for an intriguing encounter with a second-string squad chock full of bright young talents – with Alfie Barbeary one of England’s top prospects.

Alfie Barbeary: ‘I shot myself in the foot – but I know Steve Borthwick is watching’

Finn Russell relaxed about facing England’s blitz defence

11:50 , Mike Jones

Scotland talisman Finn Russell is unfazed by the prospect of being targeted by England’s new blitz defence in Saturday’s Calcutta Cup showdown at Murrayfield.

The Red Rose have adopted a more aggressive approach for this year’s Guinness Six Nations after highly-regarded defence coach Felix Jones joined Steve Borthwick’s backroom team in the wake of helping South Africa win the World Cup.

England are expected to try to swarm stand-off Russell and his midfield colleagues in an effort to neutralise Scotland, but the 31-year-old has no issue with the possibility of being singled out.

Finn Russell relaxed about facing England’s blitz defence

Scotland vs England talking points:

11:37 , Mike Jones

Another missed chance for Gregor Townsend’s side?

Gregor Townsend admitted that the history and emotion of a clash with England made it Scotland’s “most important game of the season”, but the head coach also knows that settling old scores is only part of the bigger picture.

A golden generation in the nation’s rugby history, epitomised by their fly-half genius Finn Russell, is in danger of passing without winning any silverware and after the injustice of seeing a late match-winning try disallowed against France in round two, they can not afford any more slip ups.

Time is running out for Russell’s Scotland to prove they are a serious team.

Scotland vs England talking points:

11:29 , Mike Jones

George Furbank’s second coming

Steve Borthwick is capable of throwing curve balls in selection – think Marcus Smith at full-back, Alex Mitchell starting at scrum-half at the World Cup – and the latest example is George Furbank’s return at full-back.

Freddie Steward controls the air against any opposition but Borthwick has cast aside England’s safety blanket in favour of a more natural ball player who will provide a counter-attacking threat and greater mobility in defence.

Promoting Furbank is a bold call and even if the six caps won between 2020 to 2022 failed to provide compelling evidence of his Test pedigree, he is an exciting pick who has been on fire for Northampton this season.

New dad Kyle Steyn keen to keep Calcutta Cup in Scotland’s hands

11:18 , Mike Jones

New father Kyle Steyn is intent on helping Scotland maintain their recent ownership of the Calcutta Cup this weekend after watching helplessly from his couch as his team-mates suffered an agonising Guinness Six Nations defeat against France last time out.

The Glasgow wing was named in the starting XV for the Murrayfield showdown with Les Bleus a week past Saturday, but he had to withdraw on the morning of the game after his wife Ally went into labour late on the Friday afternoon.

Steyn’s daughter, Arabella, eventually arrived via Caesarean section late on Monday morning, almost two days after the 20-16 defeat by France in which the Scots were controversially denied victory after the officials decided against awarding them a late try when Sam Skinner thought he had grounded the ball on the whitewash.

New dad Kyle Steyn keen to keep Calcutta Cup in Scotland’s hands

Earl on pressure matches and facing Scotland

11:04 , Mike Jones

England’s Ben Earl says you have to love the pressure and intensity of test match rugby and what it takes to be successful against strong teams like Scotland.

“You have to love it. If you don’t love it, then you’re playing the wrong sport at the wrong level. I absolutely love it.” he said, “We’ve certainly spoken about the kind of Scotland are, what a good team they are, how good they are at home.

“It’s a tough place to play and we’ve definitely touched upon the trend of results over the last three or four years.

“But in terms of motivating factors, that’s one of many that we’ve got. We know the journey that we’re on as a team, in terms of what we’re trying to grow and evolve into. And that’s as much of a motivating factor as playing those guys.”

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