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Scotland delivered a magnificent Calcutta Cup triumph for under-pressure head coach Gregor Townsend after a week of “guilt”, says captain Sione Tuipulotu.<\/b><\/p>\n
Off the back of an opening Six Nations defeat by Italy in torrential Rome rain which triggered a sharpened focus on Townsend’s tenure, Scotland’s title chances were on the line as they welcomed in-form England to Murrayfield.<\/p>\n
And they delivered a spectacular opening burst, racing into a 17-0 lead inside 15 minutes, one which they never looked like surrendering.<\/p>\n
Townsend’s side played with pace and verve as Finn Russell stamped his mark on this famous old fixture. <\/p>\n
The Scotland fly-half set up Huw Jones’ first try with a gorgeous tap-on pass before spreading the play right and then left for Jamie Ritchie to go over.<\/p>\n
Even when England hit back through Henry Arundell – who was subsequently sent off for a second yellow card offence – Scotland continued to play with freedom and confidence and they added a third after Ellis Genge failed to gather Russell’s chip over the top and Ben White capitalised.<\/p>\n
The visitors, having won their past 12 Tests, came back into the contest after half-time but Scotland stood strong in defence and scored a bonus-point try through Jones after George Ford’s drop-goal attempt was charged down.<\/p>\n
“I’m extremely proud,” Tuipulotu said. <\/p>\n
“To go through what we went through last week really hurt and we understood because we deserved it. Ultimately Italy were better than us. <\/p>\n
“We really felt like our backs were against the wall and we showed up today. <\/p>\n
“I felt guilty. Head coaching is a hard job because when it is going well you get all the positives but when it is not going well you get all of the criticism.<\/p>\n
“We got behind our coach this week. I’m proud of the boys for getting behind our coach and delivering a performance.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n