Two valiant attempts by Toby Flood to win the 127th Calcutta Cup match from a 48-metre penalty and a last-gasp dropped goal failed to prevent Scotland from sharing the spoils in an RBS 6 Nations Championship game of attrition, some running adventure but imprecise execution at Murrayfield.

It was England’s first draw in 144 Test matches dating back to the 26-26 score line against New Zealand at Twickenham in December 1997 and extended the world international record of draws with Scotland to 18 games.

Neither side scored a try in an injury-haunted match in dry conditions, the scoring being restricted to three penalty goals from Jonny Wilkinson and two from Toby Flood to four penalty goals and a dropped goal by Dan Parks, winning his 50th Scotland cap. In the process, Wilkinson reached 526 Championship points to break the record held by Ireland’s Ronan O’Gara.

England, who retained the Calcutta Cup after beating Scotland last year, led twice at 12-9 and 15-12 through Flood’s penalty goals after he replaced Wilkinson, who took a blow around the left eye in a typically vigorous tackle on Max Evans.

Scotland led 9-6 at half time with superior statistics testifying to their advantage that featured 66% possession and 55% territory. England completed only 32 passes compared with Scotland’s 106 but their unflinching defence that involved 57 tackles to Scotland’s 21 gave way to more attacking aspects after half time.
Wilkinson promptly landed his third penalty, in three attempts, from 38 metres before being injured after 45 minutes and England, like Scotland, went on to use all their replacements.

Ben Youngs, of Leicester Tigers, won his first cap, not at scrum half but as a stopgap wing after Ugo Monye was carried off after a head-on tackle that also forced Kelly Brown to leave the field. Monye was taken to hospital with a neck injury, but a precautionary x-ray and scan showed no significant damage and Monye was subsequently discharged into the care of the England medical team.

Flood took England ahead 12-9 after 50 minutes but Scotland gnawed their way back with the third of Parks’ successful four successful place kicks, alongside two that struck a post and rebounded into play. With 15 minutes remaining, Flood nosed his side ahead again before Parks squared the scores with a penalty after 69 minutes.

It prompted a helter-skelter finale in which England ground their way towards the Scotland line in search of a winning dropped goal to frustrate a claustrophobic defence. Flood’s attempt was deflected and a draw was inevitable with Scotland No 8 Johnnie Beattie being the RBS 6 Nations Man of the Match. England meet France in Paris in their final game next Saturday.

RFU