Scotland player ratings vs England | 2021 Six Nations
Scotland player ratings: Scotland have waited 38 years to win at Twickenham. This afternoon that wait came to an end as they toppled Eddie Jones’ side 11-6 to reclaim the Calcutta Cup.
A winning margin of five points did not reflect Scotland’s dominance – they had more than 60 per cent possession – but in difficult conditions they did enough to emulate the team of 1983 and end their 38-year wait for a victory at the home of English rugby.
Here is our Scotland player ratings after a historic afternoon.
15. STUART HOGG – 8
Pinned England back time and time again with his siege gun right boot, while looked as lively in attack as he’s been for a long time. Linked well with Redpath and Russell, and led the team well to close out victory.
14. SEAN MAITLAND – 8
Put England under pressure through his relentless chasing of every Scottish kick, while showed a couple of nice touches in attack. Nearly latched on to a Russell grubber early on, but an impressive outing on his return.
13. CHRIS HARRIS – 7
Led the defensive effort and organised the Scottish back division well, while also getting his hands on the ball. Outplayed his opposite number Henry Slade.
12. CAM REDPATH – 8
A fantastic debut for the man courted by Eddie Jones and England. He looked at home in the international game and made a couple of lovely breaks – one notably in the first half where he linked well with Russell. A bright future. Lovely half-break early on after linking with Russell.
11. DUHAN VAN DER MERWE – 7
A superb finish for the game’s opening try, but Scotland need to find ways to get the big Worcester-bound wing into the game more. A quiet second half.
10. FINN RUSSELL – 8
Some lovely touches in attack, including a cross-kick for van der Merwe. Linked well with Redpath but guilty of over-playing deep inside his own half on a couple of occasions. On another day, the yellow card could have been costly, but Scotland coped well without their talisman.
9. ALI PRICE – 7
Early box-kick wobbles knocked his confidence, but he responded well and linked with old mate Russell to orchestrate the Scottish attack.
1. RORY SUTHERLAND – 8
Conceded a couple of scrum penalties, but in between times he put Will Stuart under pressure. Added 24 metres from his eight carries. Has become a real mainstay of the pack over the past 12 months.
2. GEORGE TURNER – 8
Carried well, especially in close quarters, to give Scotland go-forward ball. Well-timed pass to put Duhan van der Merwe away for the decisive try and 100% accuracy at the lineout.
3. ZANDER FAGERSON – 8
After an early wobble, Scotland got on top at the scrum and caused England some real problems in that area. A constant carrier.
4. SCOTT CUMMINGS – 7
Another physical showing from the Glasgow lock, who chipped in with 10 tackles. An impressive engine saw him shift to the back-row for the final quarter of an hour and played his part in closing the game out.
5. JONNY GRAY– 7
Caused England’s lineout problems and pinched a couple at crucial times. Defensively excellent.
6. JAMIE RITCHIE – 6
Worked tirelessly and improved discipline from the autumn, while also a valuable lineout option in attack. Stole one lineout late in the first half that stopped England’s momentum.
7. HAMISH WATSON – 8
A constant threat at the breakdown – including the match-winning penalty – while he contributed 11 tackles to the defensive effort.
8. MATT FAGERSON – 6
Some tough carries in heavy traffic when Scotland needed go-forward ball, but won’t have enjoyed a couple of wobbles under the high ball that coughed up possession.
Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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