Eddie Jones began his tenure as England head coach with a successful retention of the Calcutta Cup in a close 15-9 victory at Murrayfield.
Good line speed and a high tackle count from England prevented a Scottish try throughout the game. A dominant English pack gave them the edge needed for both of their trys.
The first score came 13 minutes in. High intensity in attack from England saw Jack Nowell force Stuart Hogg back over his own try-line, winning England a five metre scrum. Billy Vunipola had a go from the back, trying to batter his way through before the ball was passed out to George Kruis, who drove through Richie Gray for the opening try. Owen Farrell converted for England to lead by seven.
Greig Laidlaw was given the chance to claw three points back from 41 a few minutes later after Chris Robshaw failed to roll away from a tackle. The Scottish captain nailed the kick from 41 metres out.
Laidlaw was given another chance at goal just before the break. Joe Launchbury held on to the ball under pressure and an easy kick for Laidlaw saw England leading by just a point going into the second half.
England’s second try came in the 51st minute. The away-side went through several phases in front of the Scottish line before a pop inside from Vunipola to Farrell and a pass right to Nowell who darted into the corner. Farrell pushed the conversion wide for the score to remain at a six point difference.
With twenty minutes left on the clock Scotland were penalised at the scrum, giving Farrell another chance at goal from 40 metres out. Farrell nails the kick to push England into a two score lead.
Entering the final ten minutes Scotland were awarded a penalty 30 metres out and straight in front of the posts after some messy play by England. Laidlaw split the posts to bring the game back within six points.
After a tense 10 minutes, as Scotland looked desperately to break through for a score, England emerged as victors as their defence held strong.
