Fans rage at 'rubbish tactic used by England during win Calcutta Cup against Scotland

Yesterday at 02:20 PM

England kept their Six Nations title hopes alive in dramatic fashion as Finn Russell's last-gasp conversion drifted wide, ending Scotland's Calcutta Cup dominance at Allianz Stadium.

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But despite the victory, frustration boiled over among England fans, who slammed Steve Borthwick's game plan as painfully predictable and devoid of ambition. From endless box kicks to aimless tactical punts, supporters were left questioning whether England actually wanted to play rugby.

One fuming fan raged: "Scotland have been excellent, but this English game plan is baffling. When we do string a few phases together, we look dangerous and break the line… The Borthwick kicking strategy is stifling these players."

Another fumed: "The box kicking is not a strategy that's working. Borthwick doesn't have the wit to change it."

Calls for change grew louder, with one fan demanding: "If we lose this, Borthwick has to be sacked next week. There's absolutely no progress being made under his regime."

Even Marcus Smith's decision to keep the ball in hand didn't escape criticism—though this time, it was for going against England's rigid blueprint. "Borthwick will be RAGING with Marcus Smith over that last play because he didn't aimlessly kick the ball away as per the two-year game plan."

Others simply pleaded for England to play with more intent:

• "Dear England, stop kicking the ball away. Love, rugby fans everywhere."
• "Do England realise they can pass and run with the ball rather than kick every bloody time??"
• "Kick the ball and invite pressure, what's the plan here? I'm so sick of England coaches giving cheap possession to teams, then trying to win it back just to kick it away again. Useless tactics."

Despite the backlash, England march on in the Six Nations. But unless they find a way to ignite their attack, fan patience could run out fast.

England: 16

• Tries: Freeman (9)
• Conversions: Smith (9)
• Penalties: Smith (56,67), Smith (71)

Scotland: 15

• Tries: White (4), Jones (19), van der Merwe (78′)
• Conversions:
• Penalties:

England player ratings vs Scotland:

15. Marcus Smith 6

Opened his account from the tee with ease after a difficult day of kicking against France. Missed a tackle on Duhan van der Merwe in the build-up to Huw Jones’ try, as the wing offloaded the ball to the try-scoring centre. Knocked on a high ball at 28 minutes under plenty of pressure from the Scots. Sliced a 28th-minute clearance kick, met with jeers and whistles from Scotland fans. Made a blistering break off the back of Ollie Lawrence’s crash-ball carry. Led England off the tee with some important penalties sent through the sticks.

14. Tommy Freeman – 8

Opened England’s try-scoring account as his side responded to Scotland’s hot start. Exploded onto the ball with a full head of steam and powered past Finn Russell’s tackle attempt to score. Chased high balls well, making a series of strong tackles after Mitchell and Smith sent the ball skyward. Brilliant box-kick chase led to a crunching 48th-minute hit on Van der Merwe.

13. Ollie Lawrence – 8.5

Drove to the line effectively, drawing plenty of attention as the sole change to Borthwick’s squad this week. A thunderous 30th-minute hit on Jamie Ritchie echoed around the Allianz, marking England's biggest tackle of the first half. Executed an excellent counter-ruck at 36 minutes after tackling Kinghorn. Made a brilliant carry in the final play of the first half before releasing Marcus Smith in support. However, his offload in the following phase failed to find Sleightholme out wide. A solid shift from the Bath centre.

12. Henry Slade 7.5

Early test of Scotland defence with grubber into back-field off first attack. Nice kicking to touch, yet slipped off a couple of first up tackles. An noteable miss on van der Merwe, just seconds after his midfield partner Ollie Lawrence had flattened Ritchie. Great turnover at 37 minutes, with England winning possession from 3m out of danger. Lawrence could not keep hold of his 43rd minute offload, which was a fine pass from the Exeter man. Knocked the ball on in contact at 52 minutes, as England forged a dangerous looking drive. Great awareness to make a 59th minute tackle on Finn Russell, after initially turning his back to the Scotland fly half.

11. Ollie Sleightholme 6

Good drives to the line, plenty of focus upon him as the sole change to Borthwick’s squad this week. A thunderous 30th minute hit on Jamie Ritchie sent echoes around the Allianz, in what was England’s best hit of the first half. Excellent counterruck at 36 minutes, after making a hit on Kinghorn. Brilliant carry in the last play of the first half, before unleashing Marcus Smith in support. The following phase’s offload failed to find Sleightholme out wide, in what was a solid shift from the Bath centre.

10. Fin Smith 8

Nice link play with Alex Mitchell, as the Northampton pairing led England’s attack. Put his body on the line against Scotland’s crunching crash ball carriers, in what was a bruising defensive effort. A heart-stopping hit on Huw Jones at 35 minutes, with the Scotland man sent hard to the deck, as Smith stood tall. A great hit on Tom Jordan to excite the fans, as England then isolated the Scot and won a turnover at thr 50 minute mark. A thunderous penalty from half way gave England a nice cushion into the last 10 minutes.

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