Calcutta Cup defeat for England in Six Nations opener

Despite tries from Max Malins (2), Ellis Genge and eight points from the boot of Owen Farrell, England were unable to topple an inspired Scotland side, who retained the Calcutta Cup and continued their fine recent form at Twickenham. 

The opening exchanges were tentative as both sides battled for territory, sending probing kicks back-and-forth with little action, but it was Scotland - having not lost at Twickenham since 2017 - who scored the game's first try on 15 minutes, as Sione Tuipulotu threaded a well-weighted kick over England's whitewash for centre partner Huw Jones to pounce on. Finn Russell's extras made it 0-7.

England struck back eight minutes later after a period of sustained pressure, totalling 14 phases close to the opposition line, that saw strong carries from the likes of Maro Itoje and Ellis Genge cause Scottish defenders to get sucked into the ruck area. Spotting space out wide, Marcus Smith received quick ball and opted for a cross field kick into the path of the onrushing Malins, who fell on the ball to score his first Test try. Farrell missed the extras. 

That 🐻 connection! 🔗@KyleSinckler x @EllisGenge pic.twitter.com/EXQYCOpdIQ

— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) February 5, 2023

A moment of magic from Duhan van der Merwe on the 30-minute mark saw the winger slice through England's defence from 55 metres and score the Scots' second. Russell missed the easiest of conversions, and although a seven point lead was restored, it was to be short lived. 

Spurred on by a buoyant Twickenham crowd England calmly worked their way back into the opposition half - with Harlequins' Alex Dombrandt leading the charge - and the hosts' second try shortly followed. Quick passing and smart running lines saw the ball moved through the hands of Ollie Chessum, Ellis Genge, Farrell and Lewis Ludlam, before the flanker straightened his line to square up Stuart Hogg, and send Malins over for another.

Though Farrell missed the conversion, he slotted a penalty on the stroke of half time to give his side a 13-12 lead. The stats at the break showed a competitive match: Scotland beating more defenders and making more clean breaks, with Borthwick's charges boasting more possession (58%), metres made (326) and carries (95). 

England started the second half brightly, Genge powering over from close range eight minutes into the resumption with Farrell's extras making it 20-12, but London Irish scrum half Ben White scampered over just moments later on 50 minutes to cut the deficit back to one point. 

Dan Cole entered the match on the hour mark to earn his 96th Test cap - having last played for England in 2019 - and he made an immediate impact by winning a scrum penalty that allowed England to relieve territorial pressure.

Farrell and Russell traded another pair of penalties in the final quarter, making it 23-22, as Anthony Watson replaced debutant Ollie Hassell-Collins.

A second van der Merwe try with six minutes remaining in the match handed the visitors a six point lead, and despite a last ditch effort deep in opposition territory, England were turned over and Scotland pumped the ball into touch to confirm a famous win.