England sprint back into Six Nations contention

Mike Brown of England scores a try during the RBS Six Nations match against Scotland on Saturday in Edinburgh,Scotland. Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Scotland 0 England 20

England Tries: Burrell, Brown; Cons: Farrell 2; Pens: Farrell; Drop-goal: Care

Man of the match Danny Care (England)

EDINBURGH // England gave Scotland little chance as they strolled to a comfortable 20-0 victory in the Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield.

Tries from Luther Burrell and Mike Brown in either half were complemented by seven points from Owen Farrell and a Danny Care early drop goal.

It was a deserved win for Stuart Lancaster’s men as they bounced back from a Six Nations opening-day defeat to France in Paris, while Scotland coach Scott Johnson will continue to fret as his side look incapable of piecing together meaningful attacks.

The English press had dubbed the Scotland’s home patch “Maggotfield” following the parasitic infestation which had cut up the pitch badly and their scepticism proved well-founded just four minutes in as Owen Farrell screwed his first penalty wide after slipping – the first of three misses from four.

Scotland’s Greig Laidlaw also missed twice, but scrum-half Danny Care had no problem with his footing moments later as he successfully chipped a drop-goal over to put the visitors ahead for the first time.

Jim Hamilton’s rashness at a ruck handed the English the option of kicking to touch and from the line-out Care drew the Scottish defence before slipping in Luther Burrell for the opening score, converted by Farrell.

Just over 10 minutes into the second half, Alex Dunbar was sin-binned soon after for failing to release Jonny May as he hared down on the try line.

England waited almost the full 10 minutes before making the most of their man advantage as Jack Howell played in Brown to score in the corner before Farrell added the conversion.

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