After that flat 18-15 defeat to Italy in Rome to open their Six Nations campaign a week ago, the knives were already sharpening for coach Gregor Townsend. But in his 100th Test in charge, his side responded with the kind of fire and clarity that would have made any Springbok supporter nod in appreciation.

The Scots came out like a team with a point to prove. A fourth-minute penalty from Finn Russell settled early nerves before the contest exploded into life.

 England were rocked when Henry Arundell was yellow-carded for failing to release in the tackle. Moments later, Scotland made them pay.

Gregor Townsend and Finn Russell. Photo: Six Nations

Russell’s audacious flick released Huw Jones, who sliced through and rounded England skipper Maro Itoje. With England down to 14, Scotland’s tempo went through the roof. 

They shifted the ball from touchline to touchline, and blindside flank Jamie Ritchie finished in the opposite corner after a sweeping move that left the defence clutching at shadows.

At 17-0 after just 16 minutes, Murrayfield was bouncing.

England briefly steadied through Arundell, who dotted down after a clever delayed pass from George Ford. But any thoughts of a comeback were halted when Arundell’s afternoon turned sour. He was shown a 20-minute red card for taking out Kyle Steyn in the air, reducing England to 14 again.

Scotland struck once more before the break. A loose moment from Ellis Genge allowed Ben White to pounce, pushing the halftime score to 24-10.

England chipped away after the restart, but Scotland always had an answer. When Ford’s drop-goal attempt was charged down by Matt Fagerson, Jones gathered and sprinted clear from halfway for his second try, sealing the bonus point and stretching the lead to 31-13.

A late try by Ben Earl was mere consolation.

Ireland celebrating Robert Baloucoune 56th minute try to seal the win against Italy. Photo: Six Nations

For England, the dream of a first Grand Slam in a decade lies in tatters, and they are still searching for their first win at Murrayfield since 2020. For Scotland, it’s five wins in their last six against their oldest rivals – a psychological edge that’s growing stronger by the year.

Meanwhile, over in Dublin, Ireland recorded their first win of the campaign when they beat Italy, but it didn’t come easy as the 20-13 scoreline would suggest.

On Sunday, round two of the Six Nations will wrap up when Wales tackle the defending champions, France, in Cardiff, with kick-off set for 17:10.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg