By Lucky Maree
Five minutes. That’s how long it takes for the first scrum as the game swings from one side of the field to the other.
And what a joy it is to see three of the best halfbacks in the game, Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith for England and Finn Russell for Scotland, crossing swords on the turf of Twickenham with everything to play for.
On 15 minutes the unthinkable becomes a reality. Scotland score the first try and England and their brand new coach Steve Borthwick face their first test of character.
In a move that carries on for at least two minutes, Marcus Smith handles three times and finally kicks the decisive chip into the corner that allows Max Malins a simple gather and a score.
And then – pure magic. If you watch only 30 seconds of rugby this weekend, watch Duhan van der Merwe score one of the best solo tries you will ever see.
And only the staunchest Scotland fan would claim to have expected Scotland to be seven points ahead after 30 minutes.
Exceptional handling and intelligent ball movement from almost the entire England team sees Max Malins go over for his second try. Owen Farrell fails with the conversion again, which means that three out of four conversions, all of them very kickable, have gone astray.
When Farrell finally manages a successful kick after 41 minutes, England take a one point lead into the changeroom.
Spectacular as it is, there is a feel of hysteria about the rugby in the first half. Will Scotland coach Gregor Townsend or England coach Borthwick get their teams to settle down? The coach that gets that right will win the match.
Is it the turning point when Ellis Genge crashes over for a try that had been coming for some minutes?
No. Scotland reply almost immediately with a try through scrumhalf Ben White. Once again, there is only one point in it.
With 15 minutes to go, Farrell slots a penalty giving England a lead of four precious points, but neither side have scored the vital fourth try for the bonus point.
When Finn Russell scores a penalty, Scotland are once again within one point of a most remarkable upset.
On 75 minutes, that man Duhan van der Merwe pops up again. He goes for a try that is never on – and touches down! As good a wing-try as you’ll ever see.
For four minutes England attack, but this once the Flower of Scotland is too strong for the Red Rose. A victory that will not be forgotten for a century.
England (3 tries) 23-29 (4 tries) Scotland.
Pictured above: Duhan van der Merwe
Image source: @MattMudryk15
