Six Nations 2026: Bewildering, bewitching, bonkers - Scotland's perfect day against England

Scotland produced a ferocious response at Murrayfield, beating England 31-20 to reclaim the Calcutta Cup in a game that swung from catharsis to celebration. What felt like a team still carrying the trauma of last weekend's collapse in Rome instead delivered a disciplined, dynamic performance that exposed England's growing list of problems.

Tuipulotu’s leadership and Townsend’s quiet redemption

Sione Tuipulotu, captain and talisman, admitted the Rome loss haunted his squad — and then channelled that anguish into one of Scotland’s most complete displays in recent years. From the first whistle the hosts played with urgency and purpose, converting frustration into intensity rather than rashness. Tuipulotu’s decision-making on key phases and his physical presence in contact set the tone.

Gregor Townsend watched impassively afterwards; there was little gloating, only the measured relief of a head coach who had seen his players travel a bruising week and come back stronger. For Townsend it is a temporary balm: the win proves what this group can do when every piece clicks, but the coach and squad know the Six Nations demands a consistency that must now be sustained.

Fly-half orchestration and moments of individual genius also defined the afternoon. Scotland’s attack found rhythm, linking forwards and backs effectively, while defensive structures smothered England at times. Yet the victory came at a cost: key forwards Jack Dempsey and Jamie Ritchie, and scrum-half Jamie Dobie, sustained injuries that will keep them out of the trip to Cardiff, handing Wales a Scotland side still riding high but slightly weakened.

England’s errors, tactical stumbles and the questions ahead

England arrived at Murrayfield with lofty talk of being "bulletproof"; what followed was a catalogue of unforced errors and missed opportunities. Indiscipline proved costly — two yellow cards for one back and a succession of penalties shifted momentum in Scotland’s favour. A charged-down drop-goal attempt and handling errors under pressure underscored a lack of composure.

Systemic issues were clear. England’s kicking game, which has often been their platform, failed to consistently gain territorial advantage. The anticipated control from a second playmaker never materialised, leaving the side short of fluidity when it was most needed. Early missed tackles — a worrying trend in the first half — allowed Scotland to build a platform and exert scoreboard pressure.

Steve Borthwick now faces a week of tough calls. Restoring physicality and discipline will be urgent priorities, and selection debates around centre partnerships and the role of ball carriers are likely to dominate preparations for the visit of Ireland. The balance between long-term squad building and winning the present championship has never looked more precarious.

What comes next: momentum, repairs and a Six Nations that swings fast

Scotland travel to Cardiff as hot favourites in the next round but will do so without three starters. The question is whether the emotional high from Murrayfield can be converted into the focused, gritty performance needed away from home. Townsend must manage recovery and rotation while keeping the team’s edge.

For England, the defeat is a blunt reminder that form is fragile. The next fortnight offers limited time for repair: tactical tweaks, clearer communication and a renewed emphasis on discipline will be essential if they are to salvage a campaign that once promised so much. The Six Nations rarely allows long respites — and both nations know the tournament can change character with a single week.

Murrayfield provided theatre, vindication and warning in equal measure. Scotland left the pitch with the Calcutta Cup and the roar of a home crowd; England left with questions that will be hard to ignore.