Well… I feel I put the mockers on Scotland. They did start well, and were executing a plan accurately. But their line-out has been atrocious and England have taken full advantage. If you surrender possession and territory to a team with powerful carriers, you are asking for trouble. A 14-3 lead, in these conditions, looks sizeable.
As I said, the lineout was going to be nervy for Scotland and they are punished for their inaccuracy. The lineout is scrappy and England capitalise by stealing possession as the ball comes loose. On the next phase, Talling runs onto the pass at pace and there is no stopping the lock from five metres out. Aitchison gets the conversion and England’s lead is up to 11 points.
Aitchison puts the pressure on the Scottish, putting a clever kick in behind to put Scotland into coffin corner, five metres out from their own line. The Scotland lineout has looked shaky so far so this will be a nervy moment for them...
England hit the front. The pressure pays off after a series of strong carries and it is Clifford, in for the injured Botterman today, who powers over from close range under the posts. Aitchison adds the easy conversion and England lead 7-3.
England have good momentum, taking play into the Scotland 22. They are carrying hard and getting closer to the Scotland line...
