England’s rugby team is bracing for a crucial match against Scotland in the Six Nations, with the team determined to end a frustrating run of defeats in the Calcutta Cup. Scotland has won the last four encounters, including a 30-21 victory at Murrayfield in 2024, and England coach Steve Borthwick is using the past losses as fuel for motivation. He has shown the players video clips of previous defeats to help them learn from their mistakes and maintain focus ahead of the upcoming match.
England last beat Scotland in 2020, and the recent history of losses has only intensified the rivalry. The team’s approach is to study their weaknesses and ensure that they do not repeat the same mistakes. Forward Ben Earl spoke about the squad watching the video clips and discussed how they are reminded of the pain of past losses. One painful statistic that stood out to the players was the maul statistics, with Scotland’s forwards dominating England’s pack, gaining an average of 7.1 meters per maul in their last encounter. Such statistics provide the team with the drive to improve, especially in their forward play, and to rectify the areas where they fell short in previous matches.
Duhan van der Merwe, Scotland’s powerful winger, has been a standout performer in recent years, scoring a hat-trick in the 2024 match at Murrayfield. His performances in the past two years, including breaking multiple tackles and running through the English defense, have been pivotal in Scotland’s victories. England will need to find a way to limit his impact if they are to secure the win.
For some players, the defeats have been significant learning experiences. Ben Earl, for example, reflected on his personal growth following the 2023 loss to Scotland at Twickenham, a defeat that led to his temporary exclusion from the team. Earl admitted that he was unfit at the time, and it was a wake-up call for him to realize what it truly takes to be a top international player. The loss to Scotland served as a moment of clarity, helping him develop a new mindset about fitness and the demands of international rugby under Borthwick’s coaching.
England’s forward Tom Curry has also had his share of challenges, especially following a hip injury that nearly led to his retirement. However, Curry has been one of the team’s best performers in the opening matches of the 2025 Six Nations. His performance is made even more impressive given the need for him to carefully manage his hip condition. Curry has adapted his training to accommodate his recovery, even finding some recovery in the form of walking his miniature dachshund, Toby, a practice that aids in his physical rehabilitation.
As the tournament progresses, Curry has found a new sense of focus. He mentioned how, in the past, playing for England was often a mental struggle due to the physical toll of his injuries. However, this time, he feels free from those concerns and can concentrate purely on the game. The support from his teammates and the overall sense of confidence in the squad has given him the clarity to focus on his performances without the weight of injury concerns hanging over him.
With Scotland looking to extend their winning streak and England desperate for a change in fortune, the Calcutta Cup clash will be a battle of emotion, strategy, and resilience. England is determined to learn from their past mistakes and approach the game with a sense of urgency, while Scotland will be equally motivated to continue their dominance. Both teams have plenty of firepower, and with the stakes high, this contest promises to be a thrilling encounter.
