Scotland delivered a magnificent Calcutta Cup triumph for under-pressure head coach Gregor Townsend after a week of “guilt”, says captain Sione Tuipulotu.
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.
And they delivered a spectacular opening burst, racing into a 17-0 lead inside 15 minutes, one which they never looked like surrendering.
Townsend’s side played with pace and verve as Finn Russell stamped his mark on this famous old fixture.
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.
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.
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.
“I’m extremely proud,” Tuipulotu said.
“To go through what we went through last week really hurt and we understood because we deserved it. Ultimately Italy were better than us.
“We really felt like our backs were against the wall and we showed up today.
“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.
“We got behind our coach this week. I’m proud of the boys for getting behind our coach and delivering a performance.”