Scots pluck Roses at Twickenham

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Duhan Van der Merwe scored twice at Twickenham on Saturday as Scotland made it three victories in a row against England to open their 2023 Six Nations campaign with a win.

Scotland trailed England for the majority of the second half after relinquishing a lead before the break, but a late score from Van der Merwe secured a 29-23 victory for the visitors who retained the Calcutta Cup.

A cracking first half saw Scotland take an early lead after Huw Jones collected centre Sione Tuipulotu’s kick to go over for the try with flyhalf Finn Russell adding the extras.

England scored next through winger Max Malins who gathered a clever cross-kick from flyhalf Marcus Smith, but failed to equalise as Owen Farrell’ s conversion attempt sailed wide.

Minutes later, a brilliant solo score from Van der Merwe extended Scotland’s lead with the winger dismissing five defenders on his way to the try-line.

Malins’ second try of the evening brought England back within two points before a Farrell penalty gave the hosts the lead for the first time heading into the break.

England prop Ellis Genge scored eight minutes into the second half to extend England’s lead but a try from Scotland scrumhalf Ben White brought the visitors back within a point.

Farrell added three points but the hosts’ advantage was again reduced through a penalty from Russell, before Van der Merwe scored the decisive try to restore Scotland’s lead and secure the bonus point.

England continued to press in the visitors’ 22, but Scotland captain and flanker, Jamie Richie had the last say with a monumental steal that sealed a 29-23 victory for Scotland.

Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

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