Matt Dawson on Scotland beating England on Six Nations


I can easily reel off the losses that stuck with me in the Six Nations, as they can take you to a really dark place at times.

Scotland 2000, Ireland 2001 and France 2002 – they all still hurt.

It is important now to take stock and remember that this will happen again at some point before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

England will lick their wounds after yet another crushing defeat by Scotland, but even if a potential Grand Slam has gone, they still have a championship to play for.

The chance to win a Grand Slam does not come around very often, and that is the reality.

Last week I said it would be foolish to draw a straight line from the opening weekend to a Grand Slam decider in Paris.

This tournament is magical for exactly that reason.

Two wins and England will be in a position to go to Paris and perhaps try to win the championship.

There is plenty to focus on and be excited about, and that Murrayfield pain will make England a better team.

Big away wins are not easy in the Six Nations, and Saturday is another one that eluded Steve Borthwick.

It is not just about winning on another pitch as the World Cup is on neutral soil in Australia.

It is about the different feeling outside the Twickenham environment and home comforts.

As impressive as the 12-game winning run was, England still need that South African mentality – wherever you go in the world, you are expected to win and be globally successful.

Borthwick is still yet to travel to Scotland, Ireland or France in the Six Nations and win.

Most adversity comes from playing away from home, and Saturday gave the England players more of those scenarios.

It is very unlikely they will win a World Cup without a statement away victory beforehand.



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