Player ratings: Duhan double seals bonus point
OPINION: A pair of outstanding tries by Duhan van der Merwe saw Scotland retain the Calcutta Cup for a third successive year.
The big winger beat five defenders en route to a stunning first-half try, before showing all of his power to barge over late on. Huw Jones and Ben White scored the visitors’ other tries as they recorded a bonus point win at Twickenham.
Gavin Harper rates the Scotland players!
15. Stuart Hogg – 6.5
The former skipper had been a doubt with a heel injury and wasn’t at his world-class best. A mixed bag – he won a superb jackal penalty in the first half and a lovely break in the second, but by and large wasn’t able to escape the clutches of the hosts.
14. Kyle Steyn – 6.5
The Glasgow skipper – in for the injured Darcy Graham – was pivotal in creating his wing colleague’s late try. Had another couple of chances that he couldn’t take, but was defensively sound and can be pleased with his day’s work.
13. Huw Jones – 7
The eye-catching selection ahead of Chris Harris, the Glasgow man showed his attacking prowess with a scything break before scoring his fifth try in as many games against England. Has been questioned defensively in the past, but kept ex-Quins colleague Marchant well-marked throughout.
12. Sione Tuipulotu – 7.5
Recovered from a ropey start where he was sat down by Steward and put Jones over with a deft grubber. Linked well with Russell and did well without the ball, particularly against the dancing Smith.
11. Duhan van der Merwe – 8.5
Hasn’t played this year due to an ankle injury but you wouldn’t have known as he ripped England apart twice. The first was a solo try for the ages and his second was a terrific show of power.
10. Finn Russell – 7
Another mixed bag from Scotland’s mercurial talisman. Some lovely moments in attack, where he linked brilliantly at times with Tuipulotu and Jones, but some errant moments from the Bath-bound fly-half.
9. Ben White – 7.5
In fine form for London Irish and brought the same composure to his first Six Nations start. Took his try – his second against England after scoring on debut last year – superbly well and marshalled his pack confidently.
1. Pierre Schoeman – 7.5
Outstanding work rate as usual from the Edinburgh prop, both with ball-in-hand and led the defensive effort with 14 in the first half. Won’t want to see Dan Cole’s first scrum again, and departed shortly after.
2. George Turner – 6.5
Always puts himself about in defence and carries hard – including one over the top of Jack van Poortvliet. Lineout throwing can be a concern, but it went well today.
3. Willem Nel – 6.5
The Edinburgh veteran turns 37 in April and isn’t the force he once was, but matched Genge in the scrum. Guilty of giving away the penalty that saw England lead at the break, but otherwise a solid showing before departing on 58 minutes.
4. Richie Gray – 7
Another busy afternoon for the veteran, who was Scotland’s go-to man at the lineout. Put England under pressure too, but gave away one silly penalty.
5. Grant Gilchrist – 6.5
Does a lot of unseen hard graft, which included a really important tackle on Dombrandt early on with England 10m out. Like his second-row colleague, put England’s lineout under pressure.
6. Jamie Ritchie – 6.5
Without his club-mate Hamish Watson, the skipper was a jackal threat but got caught narrow defensively as opposite number Ludlam put Malins away for his second try. Led from the front and won the crucial penalty that sealed victory.
7. Luke Crosbie – 6
The former Livingston and Currie man has been in fine form for Edinburgh, but he wasn’t able to impose his route-one game on the hosts. Worked hard though and joint-top tackler (14) with Schoeman.
8. Matt Fagerson – 8
Another who worked hard, and made metres in close quarters while adding to the defensive effort. But doesn’t have the same impact in the wide channels as someone like Faletau, or his opposite number Dombrandt.
Replacements
16. Fraser Brown – 6
One of four subs who also came off the bench in the remarkable 38-all draw in 2019 and competed well at the breakdown after replacing Turner.
17. Jamie Bhatti – 5
Didn’t have the same impact as Schoeman.
18. Simon Berghan – 6
Another of the 2019 squad who benefits from Fagerson’s injury. Replaced Nel on 58 minutes, and worked hard off the ball.
19. Jonny Gray – 6.5
Wasn’t in original Six Nations squad but has made it back in, and replaced Gilchrist late on. A couple of dymanic carries from the Exeter lock.
20. Jack Dempsey – 7
A terrific impact from the former Wallaby who added go-forward and dynamism with ball in hand. Should come into contention to start against Wales.
21. George Horne – 6.5
The livewire half-back was given the final 10 minutes and brought his trademark pace to the game.
22. Blair Kinghorn – 7
Played at fly-half in the autumn, but back at fullback for the closing stages in place of Hogg. Nearly set an attack clear and did superbly to recover from a Youngs clearance.
23. Chris Harris – N/A
Scotland’s defensive linchpin on late to see the game out, but no time to make a real impaxct.
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