Scotland player ratings vs England | 2023 Guinness Six Nations
A pair of outstanding tries by Duhan van der Merwe saw Scotland retain the Calcutta Cup for a third successive year.
The big winger beat five defenders en route to a stunning first half try, before showing all of his power to barge over late on. Huw Jones and Ben White scored the visitors’ other tries as they recorded a bonus point win at Twickenham.
Here is how Gregor Townsend’s side fared in another historic win at the home of English rugby.
15. Stuart Hogg – 6.5
The former skipper had been a doubt with a heel injury and wasn’t at his world-class best. A mixed bag – he won a superb jackal penalty in the first half and a lovely break in the second, but by and large wasn’t able to escape the clutches of the hosts.
14. Kyle Steyn – 6.5
The Glasgow skipper – in for the injured Darcy Graham – was pivotal in creating his wing colleague’s late try. Had another couple of chances that he couldn’t take, but was defensively sound and can be pleased with his day’s work.
13. Huw Jones – 7
The eye-catching selection ahead of Chris Harris, the Glasgow man showed his attacking prowess with a scything break before scoring his fifth try in as many games against England. Has been questioned defensively in the past, but kept ex-Quins colleague Marchant well-marked throughout.
12. Sione Tuipulotu – 7.5
Recovered from a ropey start where he was sat down by Steward and put Jones over with a deft grubber. Linked well with Russell and did well without the ball, particularly against the dancing Smith.
11. Duhan van der Merwe – 8.5
Hasn’t played this year due to an ankle injury but you wouldn’t have known as he ripped England apart twice. The first was a solo try for the ages and his second was a terrific show of power.
Scotland just love playing at Twickenham #ENGvSCO #SixNations2023 pic.twitter.com/ewVCLMRrjl
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10. Finn Russell – 7
Another mixed bag from Scotland’s mercurial talisman. Some lovely moments in attack, where he linked brilliantly at times with Tuipulotu and Jones, but some errant moments from the Bath-bound fly-half.
9. Ben White – 7.5
In fine form for London Irish and brought the same composure to his first Six Nations start. Took his try – his second against England after scoring on debut last year – superbly well and marshalled his pack confidently.
1. Pierre Schoeman – 7.5
Outstanding work rate as usual from the Edinburgh prop, both with ball-in-hand and led the defensive effort with 14 in the first half. Won’t want to see Dan Cole’s first scrum again, and departed shortly after.
2. George Turner – 6.5
Always puts himself about in defence and carries hard – including one over the top of Jack van Poortvliet. Lineout throwing can be a concern, but it went well today.
3. WP Nel – 6.5
The Edinburgh veteran turns 37 in April and isn’t the force he once was, but matched Genge in the scrum. Guilty of giving away the penalty that saw England lead at the break, but otherwise a solid showing before departing on 58 minutes.
4. Richie Gray – 7
Another busy afternoon for the veteran, who was Scotland’s go-to man at the lineout. Put England under pressure too, but gave away one silly penalty.
5. Grant Gilchrist – 6.5
Does a lot of unseen hard graft, which included a really important tackle on Dombrandt early on with England 10m out. Like his second-row colleague, put England’s lineout under pressure.
6. Jamie Ritchie – 6.5
Without his club-mate Hamish Watson, the skipper was a jackal threat but got caught narrow defensively as opposite number Ludlam put Malins away for his second try. Led from the front and won the crucial penalty that sealed victory.
7. Luke Crosbie – 6
The former Livingston and Currie man has been in fine form for Edinburgh, but he wasn’t able to impose his route-one game on the hosts. Worked hard though and joint-top tackler (14) with Schoeman.
8. Matt Fagerson – 8
Another who worked hard, and made metres in close quarters while adding to the defensive effort. But doesn’t have the same impact in the wide channels as someone like Faletau, or his opposite number Dombrandt.
Replacements
16. Fraser Brown – 6
One of four subs who also came off the bench in the remarkable 38-all draw in 2019 and competed well at the breakdown after replacing Turner.
17. Jamie Bhatti – 5
Didn’t have the same impact as Schoeman.
18. Simon Berghan – 6
Another of the 2019 squad who benefits from Fagerson’s injury. Replaced Nel on 58 minutes, and worked hard off the ball.
19. Jonny Gray – 6.5
Wasn’t in original Six Nations squad but has made it back in, and replaced Gilchrist late on. A couple of dymanic carries from the Exeter lock.
20. Jack Dempsey – 7
A terrific impact from the former Wallaby who added go-forward and dynamism with ball in hand. Should come into contention to start against Wales.
21. George Horne – 6.5
The livewire half-back was given the final 10 minutes and brought his trademark pace to the game.
22. Blair Kinghorn – 7
Played at fly-half in the autumn, but back at fullback for the closing stages in place of Hogg. Nearly set an attack clear and did superbly to recover from a Youngs clearance.
23. Chris Harris – N/A
Scotland’s defensive linchpin on late to see the game out, but no time to make a real impaxct.
Comments on RugbyPass
You know he can land a winning conversion after the full time siren is up. (Even if it takes two attempts.)
5 Go to commentsA very insightful article from Jake. I would love to know how South African’s feel about their move to Europe. Do you prefer playing in Europe or want to go back to Super Rugby?
2 Go to commentspure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
2 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
25 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
25 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
25 Go to comments