Scotland 31-20 England: Gregor Townsend’s side regain Calcutta Cup in Murrayfield thriller

They got some joy at last. Their scrum, completely dominant, was key and their big runners took them deep into Scotland’s 22. The resistance held, but only for so long. Ford’s lovely delayed pass sent Arundell in. Quite a half for the wing.

Ford narrowed the gap to seven points soon after as England threatened to build up a head of steam. Their respite was dismantled in quick order when Scotland struck for their third score.

It was wonderful Russell invention once again that sparked it, the fly-half scampering down the short side, skipping past Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill and managing to kick through in the process of falling over.

Ellis Genge was in the back field and seemingly in control of the situation only to slide and let the ball fall loose. White was on to him like a shot and touched down for a smash-and-grab that sickened England. Russell added the extras – a 14-point game now.

Arundell’s calamity came just before the end of a pulsating half when he took Steyn out in the air. A second yellow meant a 20-minute red – England were in deep trouble.

The visitors’ scrum superiority brought them three more points early in a second half that began without Ritchie on one side and Underhill. Both injured. On came Fagerson and Tom Curry and away we went.

England’s one area of joy was the scrum and their muscle in the set-piece saw Ford narrow the gap early in the second half. These were moments when Scotland had to dig deep.

England were getting on the front foot, but the Scottish defence held. More than that, they frustrated England. Going nowhere in the hosts’ 22. Ford opted to take an easy three with a drop goal in front of the posts.

It backfired. Fagerson was out like a bullet from a gun and charged down the kick, then scooped up the loose ball and fed Jones who galloped away with Scottish delirium ringing in his ears all the way.

Russell banged over the conversion and, incredibly, the underdogs were ahead by 18 with a bonus point in the bank.

England emptied their bench, brought on any amount of heavy hitters, but could only manage a late, late try for Earl, converted by Ford. Scotland’s lead was 11 – and to the utter ecstasy of the home fans, it stayed that way.