Van der Merwe’s Hat-Trick Leads Scotland to Historic Calcutta Cup Victory Over England

Duhan van der Merwe made history as the first Scotland player to score a hat-trick in the Calcutta Cup, driving his team to a momentous 4th consecutive Six Nations triumph against England at Murrayfield.

His extraordinary performance included three tries, outshining George Furbank and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s first tries for England. Finn Russell’s flawless kicking further solidified Scotland’s position in a match marked by errors from both sides.

Scotland and England now both have two wins in three games, with Scotland set to face Italy and England preparing for a match against Ireland.

This victory marks Scotland’s first quartet of consecutive wins against England since 1896, under the reign of Queen Victoria, enhancing Gregor Townsend’s impressive record as head coach against England.

The game began shakily for Scotland, trailing 10-0 within the first 15 minutes due to numerous mistakes. However, Van der Merwe’s dynamic play, starting with a powerful first try and a stunning second, turned the tide.

His third try early in the second half, following a strategic play by Cam Redpath and Russell, sealed his hat-trick. Russell’s three penalties and conversions contributed to Scotland’s dominance.

Despite receiving a yellow card for a reckless tackle, player-of-the-match Van der Merwe ended the game celebrating with his teammates.

England, led by Jamie George, who showed commendable spirit following personal loss, had a strong start but couldn’t maintain momentum.

Furbank’s early try and Ford’s composed drop-goal were highlights, but Scotland’s defense held strong, only conceding a late try to Feyi-Waboso.

Line-ups:

SCOTLAND

15-Kinghorn, 14-Steyn, 13-Jones, 12-Tuipulotu, 11-Van der Merwe, 10-Russell (co-capt), 9-White; 1-Schoeman, 2-Turner, 3-Fagerson, 4-Gilchrist, 5-Cummings, 6-Ritchie, 7-Darge (co-capt), 8-Dempsey

Replacements: 16-Ashman, 17-Hepburn, 18-Millar-Mills, 19-Skinner, 20-Christie, 21-Horne, 22-Healy, 23-Redpath

ENGLAND

15-Furbank, 14-Freeman, 13-Slade, 12-Lawrence, 11-Daly; 10-Ford, 9-Care; 1-Genge, 2- George (capt), 3-Cole, 4-Itoje, Chessum, Roots, Underhill, 8-Earl

Replacements: 16-Dan, 17-Marler, 18-Stuart, 19-Martin, 20-Cunningham-South, 21-Spencer, 22-Smith, 23-Feyi-Waboso Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)

Man of the Mach: Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland)