Prior to the Game 35 boil-over, this was expected to be the match of the round. It has everything; an age old enmity between neighbouring countries, a contrast in playing styles, and pressure aplenty. Scotland are on the verge of total failure at this RWC. Their last gasp defeat at the hands of the Los Pumas in Game 28 means they must beat England by 8 points (and not let them score 4 tries) to progress to the Quarter Finals. No pressure!
I don't think they are capable of this. They've had a big problem scoring tries at this tournament with only 4 so far. If they can't score 5 pointers then they'll need an amazing kicking game to best England who play tight controlled footy. But I'm sure the Scots will give it a good go!
The English have made a stuttering start to the tournament, but they've improved with every outing. Momentum is a huge factor in Rugby World Cups so they'll be hoping these brave-hearted Scots don't upset their apple cart.
Scotland have a very unfortunate start as first five playmaker Ruaridh Jackson hobbles off after just 4 minutes having torn a hamstring. He embraces his replacement Dan Parks with tears in his eyes, as he realises his tournament is done. But as it transpires this is a blessing for the Scots.
Dan Parks is a bit of a journeyman amongst first fives. He's been around for quite a while but has never produced enough magic to make himself a lynch pin - until tonight! He and Chris Patterson take turn about slotting penalties to put Scotland 6-0 up after 17 minutes. Then England's vaunted first five superstar Jonny Wilkinson misses his first THREE consecutive attempts at goal.
But Parks' superior marksmanship is only the icing on the cake - he's having the game of his life. His kicking and passing game combine superbly to help his teammates win the territory battle against their supposed betters. Also helping him is the Scottish pack who are fronting up to the English and dominating at scrum time.
After 34 minutes Jonny finally slots a penalty to get England on the scoreboard, but this is matched late in the half, when Parks slots a drop goal. Talk about taking coals to Newcastle. Parks is showing Jonny the way it should be done - he is kicking the pants off this rugby legend. The teams head to the break 9-3 with Scotland ahead.
The second half has a more depressing air for Scotland from the outset. Scotland are chancing their arm and making all the headway, but they aren't getting the bounce of the ball. Also England's pack are much improved following their team talk - the Scots are finding less space and are struggling to bust the advantage line now.
But amazingly Chris Patterson puts the Scots 9 points in front in the 56th minute. That's all they need! Can they maintain the margin and get back into the tournament? Not if Jonny can help it! He replies immediately with a drop goal, the score is 12-6 Scotland after 58 minutes. Like a great racehorse Jonny might be saving his best for the home straight here.
Another Jonny penalty closes the gap even closer and the Scotland hold a slender 12-9 lead after 65 minutes. They are now desperate to score a converted try to gain that 8 point lead, so they make several clever assaults on the England line, with some very good tactical kicking by Parks. But that final 5% magic they need to turn the pressure into points doesn't ever eventuate.
You get the feeling that England have more experience at winning games like this, and they wait until the 78th minute to do so. A beautiful back line move sees right wing Chris Ashton clinically sink Scottish hopes once and for all. Toby Flood rubs salt in their wounds with the conversion.
England win 16-12. It wasn't pretty, but you felt for the whole last quarter that it was coming. That is the kind of performance that doesn't win over fans from other nations, but it might just be a way to win a World Cup.
Poor Scotland, who have held most of the crowd's hopes and their own destiny in their hands tonight, have stumbled at the final hurdle. They become the first Scottish team to be eliminated during pool play. You have to feel for Parks who played the game of his life in a losing team.
Final Score: England 16 - Scotland 12
36 games 212 tries.
Tweet of the match - "To be honest, Scotland, you weren't good enough to take it" @publicaddress
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