Scottish Rugby

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your Scottish rugby questions.

Graeme asked: Tom Jordan relatively anonymous at full back. Should Kyle Rowe or Ollie Smith come in to improve attacking options while offering very sound defensive qualities?

Tom answered: A bit harsh on Tom Jordan, I think. For me, he put in a very mature performance. He didn't produce fireworks, but he didn't need to. He was rock solid. I'm a big fan of Kyle Rowe and Ollie Smith but I'd stick with Jordan, even though 15 is probably his third-best position.

Nicholas asked: I was first to chastise Gregor Townsend post the Italy game but have we underestimated the role the conditions played in that result? Do we now have the depth of squad to follow up against Wales?

Tom answered: No, I don't think we underestimated the conditions. Italy did most of their damage very early on when the weather was reasonable. Scotland had chances to score in that period as well and their lineout started to collapse. That had nothing to do with the rain. It was pretty dry at that point. So, through their weak backfield defence and their dodgy lineout, they gave themselves a mountain to climb, which they had to do in the rain. That was always going to be hard.

Jim asked: With Jamie Ritchie, Jack Dempsey and Jamie Dobie ruled out of the next match through injury, who would you bring in as replacements? And are there any other changes that you think Townsend will make for the Wales game - perhaps in the front row after two shaky performances?

Tom answered: I'd resist the understandable temptation to move Gregor Brown back to blindside and I'd pick Josh Bayliss at six with Matt Fagerson moving over to No 8. On the left wing I'd go with Darcy Graham. I'd have Kyle Rowe or Blair Kinghorn on the bench to replace Darcy. I'd leave the front row alone. Zander Fagerson has struggled but the big man has massive credit in the bank. He'll come good again very soon.

Allan asked: Should we go with a 6-2 split on the bench, and do we have a player like Henry Pollock who could cover both back row forward positions and on the wing?

Tom answered: There aren't many Henry Pollocks or Ben Earls out there, but I get your point. There is a risk going 6-2 if your backline suffers injuries or cards and I can understand why Gregor Townsend went 5-3 against England. I can't see him changing that. With Jamie Ritchie and Jack Dempsey out, he needs two new back-rows. Josh Bayliss at six with Matt Fagerson replacing Dempsey at eight? Then, it could be Magnus Bradbury on the bench. Could Bradbury or Bayliss be that Pollock-type? Maybe.

Tom English and Andy Burke look back on Scotland's Calcutta Cup win and look forward to their upcoming Six Nations match against Wales in Cardiff.

Was the criticism of Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend too harsh? Are Scotland on an upwards curve after a majestic performance against England?

What impact will the loss of Jamie Ritchie, Jack Dempsey and Jamie Dobie have on Scotland's Championship hopes?

Listen here.

Do you have any burning questions on Scottish rugby for our experts, Tom English and Andy Burke, as Gregor Townsend's side retained the Calcutta Cup for the fifth time in the past six years?

Send in your questions via this link and a selection of answers will be published on this page later in the week.

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Edinburgh's backs and attack coach Scott Mathie will leave the URC club at the end of the season, the latest exit in part of a backroom staff shake-up.

The imminent departure of defence coach Michael Todd, skills coach Rob Chrystie and head of strength & conditioning Mark Robertson was announced earlier this month.

That leaves head coach Sean Everitt, who signed a new contract earlier in the season, with just forwards coach Stevie Lawrie currently in place for next season.

Mathie joined Edinburgh in 2024 but their maligned attack has misfired over the last two seasons, finishing seventh last season and currently sitting down in 13th in the league standings.

"This announcement follows the initial phase of changes being made by Head Coach Sean Everitt to the club's coaching, medical, and strength and conditioning departments as part of a wider reassessment of its coaching and performance functions," the capital club said in a statement.

"The club remains in discussions with other members of its coaching and performance staff, with a full update to be provided once this process has been completed."

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Scotland scrum-half Ben White admitted he and his teammates are aware of the noise around head coach Gregor Townsend, but called him an "amazing coach to play for" after the victory over England.

Plenty were unhappy with Townsend's position following the opening Six Nations loss to Italy but Scotland roared back to secure a fifth Calcutta Cup victory in six years.

Like Townsend, White has a superb record in these fixtures and scored another try against the Auld Enemy - who he played for at Under-20 level.

"Obviously we're aware of everything that goes on outside of the environment," White said. "People are passionate and when you're playing for your country, people just want wins and success, and that's what we want as well.

"It's nothing personal, it's part of the privilege of playing for your country. With how tough the week had been, I think to put on that performance it made it extra sweet.

"I just love it, that's why I play rugby, to see the crowd, the atmosphere, people smiling and cheering and staying after the game and enjoying it with their kids.

"Gregor is proud of the performance that we put in, the way we played, the charisma we showed. He's awesome, he's an amazing coach to play for because he gives us so much confidence in what we do.

"Obviously he has a lot of detailed stuff in how we play, but he gives us courage and belief in the style of rugby that we play, so that's awesome to be a part of."

Incredibly after that dismal loss to Italy in the first week, Scotland now sit second behind France in the standings. They face Wales next Saturday in Cardiff, looking to make it two wins from three.

"The championship's tough, there's no rest, there's no bye [fallow] week this year like there has been in the past," said White. "We need to recover well, train hard and not take the foot off the gas.

"Getting five points at home was huge for us and also just the momentum that can give us going forward. We go to Wales and it's an opportunity for us but we know we're going to have to play really well.

"We go there with confidence but if we don't play to the best of our abilities and we're not clinical and accurate, they're a side that can punish us."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland's Calcutta Cup magic

What is it about the Calcutta Cup that elevates Scotland to such lofty heights?

The chat from the likes of ex-England international Courtney Lawes in the build-up was how Scotland only get up for playing their oldest rivals, but getting up for it only takes you so far.

Scotland produce an accuracy, creativity and intelligence to their play in these games that England struggle to handle.

Pin sharp in attack and towering in defence, the Scots showed the best of themselves just when they needed it most.

Finn lights it up against England… again!

Is there a more glorious sight in rugby that Finn Russell in the sort of mood he was against England?

It's a fixture the magician has left his prints all over these past few years. In 2018 we saw "The Pass of the Century" and on Saturday we saw "The Flick of the Century" to set-up Huw Jones for his first try.

That was the flash stuff, but it was Russell's exceptional rugby mind that was the difference as he orchestrated the Scotland attack to devastating effect.

Kyle Steyn was a deserving player of the match after a magnificent display from the Glasgow captain, but Russell was central to another epic Calcutta Cup victory.

Townsend's masterplan

Gregor Townsend was knocked from pillar to post by fans and media alike in the wake of Scotland's round one defeat to Italy in Rome.

As he took the flak for that flat Scottish performance at the Stadio Olimpico, so the head coach should take the credit for a game plan to pick England apart that was executed to perfection.

Scotland played the smarter rugby, won the aerial battle, disrupted England at the breakdown, and despite a scrum that was leaking penalties, they always found a way to wrestle the momentum back in their favour.

Many of Townsend's selections were questioned – sticking with the same back three that struggled in Rome, again leaving Blair Kinghorn out the 23, going with a 5/3 bench against England's 6/2 – but all his big calls paid off.

Five Calcutta Cups in six years is a truly astonishing record, and now Townsend needs his side to back it up against Wales in Cardiff next weekend.

We asked you Scotland fans for your views on the 31-20 win over England, which secured Gregor Townsend's side another Calcutta Cup. Here's a taste of your views...

Campbell: Don't get over-excited. We can always produce performances like this one. Can we win next week? Then win at least one more against France or Ireland? If not, it's the same flaky mediocrity as before. We need consistency to progress.

Paul: Scotland can pat themselves on the back for a good performance, but they need to find methods to win consistently. This win was handed to us by English errors. However, pressure causes errors, and other Six Nations teams will note how England struggled.

Heather: I still believe time is up for Gregor Townsend. One win does not change what happened last week against Italy, or Argentina, or New Zealand. All Scotland fans know that. Change needs to happen - either now, or at the end of the Six Nations.

Kevin: Scotland have to go Wales next week and be absolutely ruthless. There is no point in having this group of players if they shine on days like that, but wither in other games. That was all about aggression and forcing England into mistakes though sheer stubbornness. It has to be the same, or better next week.

Andrew: Best performance for years and well deserved win over a limited and over-hyped England. Other than the scrum, Scotland dominated every phase of play and were probably worth more than the final score. We need to show next week that this wasn't a one-off. No fan of Townsend but he and players deserve massive credit for today.

Stuart: To a man, they were brilliant. Little moments of determination showed through. Finn Russell spotting the space to attack three times early on. Scott Cummings working like a demon to defend the maul. Matt Fagerson picking off the drop goal when England were definitely in the ascendency.

It wasn't just the moments though. Scotland controlled the vast majority of the game, refused to get drawn into England's power game and imposed their own game plan. Some big performances from many players who proved what they can really do.

I still think there needs to be change and one big performance doesn't change the overall narrative but congratulations to all the players and coaches for the big reaction.

Rosh: Good win and performance but take the SRU-tinted spectacles off. The win just papers over the cracks. Results and performances like the ones we consistently produce against England are never replicated that often.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Rory Darge says Scotland must get themselves into the same mindset they had against England when they face Wales in Cardiff next weekend.

The Glasgow Warriors flanker was one of a host of Scots who delivered outstanding performances as Gregor Townsend's men bounced back from the disappointment of defeat by Italy to end England's 12-match winning run.

Having breathed new life into their Six Nations campaign, Scotland must maintain the lofty standards they set at Murrayfield when they head for the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

"I guess it's looking at what worked for us, how we got into this sort of place mentally and emotionally, doing what we can to replicate that performance," Darge said.

"We'll do the same process that you normally do, review this game. It was absolutely brilliant, but there will be bits of the game that we can work on.

"It's important to look at that, regardless of win or loss, because you ultimately want to keep growing as a team.

"A point we spoke about earlier in the week is, off the back of Italy, we can do all the talking and meetings that we want, but it is about actions. I think it was the actions [against England] that were really pleasing. We just want to carry that on."

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Captain Michele Lamaro ended Italy's post-match news conference with an unprompted tribute to Hollie Davidson after the Scottish official became the first woman to referee a men's Six Nations game.

"I just want to congratulate her," said Lamaro following the Italians' 20-13 defeat by Ireland in Dublin.

"She has been doing so much for world rugby and our game and I think it's an important thing to say.

"I appreciated the work we did together today on the pitch.

"Whatever the decision was, I was backing her and making sure everything was going the right way so I just want to congratulate her and thank her for the effort on the field."

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After a rejuvenated Scotland swept England aside at Murrayfield, the pundits had their say. Here's a taste...

Ex-Scotland prop Peter Wright: "I thought in the second half they made England look pretty mediocre.

"What frustrates me about Scotland is they can give you a performance like this, but they can also give you a performance like they did in Italy.

"The players deserve all the plaudits."

Former Scotland flanker Johnnie Beattie: "What a game. Scotland were humbled last week and England have been humbled today.

"An incredibly deserved win for Scotland, they were worthy winners.

"I think the two boys that have stood up today are the two wingers [Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie]. They have fought for everything and bossed that aerial contest."

Scotland's all-time top point-scorer Chris Paterson: "Reward for one of the bravest performances I've seen from a Scotland side for a long time."

Ex-England scrum-half Matt Dawson: "England will bounce back but sometimes you don't get what you think you should get.

"You have to go out there and understand what the opposition could bring.

"This is Scotland's sweet spot. This is a really good Scotland squad with great coaching staff, who have the capability to humble the form team in the world. They need to embrace it.

"We talked all the way through about the accumulation of errors against teams like Scotland, everyone wrote them off but they are a really good side.

"They were better than an 11-point lead."

Former Scotland captain John Barclay: "They need to back it up.

"Sione [Tuipulotu] and Gregor [Townsend] have spoken about that, so we know that's what their focus will be. The very best sides, the drop-off isn't as big.

"You could tell 20 minutes in, the bravery, the aggression, the intent. There's something about this fixture in this stadium. Against the other nations, it doesn't stack up."

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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend tells ITV: "I think I was just so proud of the way we played tonight.

"After 20 minutes I thought that was some of the best rugby we've every played. It's all you want as a coach and then to see the effort in the second half, we became a team that would fight for each other and the supporters.

"A special mention to our supporters. We've given them something to shout about for the next 12 months.

"We know that rugby brings out the best in us, being very aggressive and playing at speed. I thought that was one of Finn Russell's best games for Scotland and the work rate of our forwards was superb.

"There's so many games that you play well but the opposition paly well too and they can get narrow wins or come back and win. We know we're up there with the teams we come up against, sometimes you can't get the win but we're really pleased we got it today.

"The players can share the joy with their families, they can enjoy having the trophy in the changing room but we're back on it next week and we go to Cardiff to build on what we did today."

Rampant Scotland bounced back from Six Nations defeat by Italy a week ago to blow England away in a bonus-point win in a pulsating Calcutta Cup at a riotous Murrayfield.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has hit back at media criticism directed at his team and head coach Gregor Townsend in the wake of last weekend's Six Nations defeat to Italy in Rome.

The loss in the tournament opener increased the pressure on Townsend, with many pundits and fans believing, after nine years in the job, it's time for a new voice in the dressing room.

Tuipulotu says he remains firmly behind Townsend and took aim at those in the media who have questioned the head coach.

Speaking on the eve of Scotland's Calcutta Cup match with England, Tuipulotu said: "Everyone's got a phone and we know about the things that are getting said about our coach, but we understand it as well.

"At the end of the day, Test rugby is about winning and fans and people get frustrated when you don't do that.

"It's not that we're delusional to the fact that we need to get results in order to avoid that type of stuff.

"But it's also a kind of thing where, you know, we open up our phones and see the media and everything like that... and it's easy to sit in that chair that you [the media] are sitting in right now.

"That's the main thing us players have to realise. It's easy to write those stories. And because you're not the man in the arena and have to go out there where the loss is, where the win is, it's easy to sit where you are.

"It's hard to sit where we're sitting at the moment when we haven't got the results that we've wanted.

"But we have to pull it together because it's our only option. And we understand the heat our coach is under, but I'm not going to get up here and say we should get rid of our coach or maybe give you guys the headlines, because that's not how I feel at all."

We asked for your views after Gregor Townsend named his Scotland XV to face England at Murrayfield.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Paul: I can see Townsend's thinking but I can't help but feel the make-up and balance of the 23 is off. Still, what do I know? If we see Finn Russell subbed off at the hour mark for Adam Hastings, with a record victory in sight, no one will be more delighted than me. I won't be putting any money on it, however.

Tommy: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. Why oh why Gregor have you gone with the same again? Time to ride off into the sunset. Can't shake the feeling Vern Cotter would've gotten far more out of the players Gregor has had available to him. If I had the money I'd pay for Joe Schmidt out of my own pocket.

Ewan: Delusional. Abject failure, no threat, picked because they can catch but didn't and no consequences. Steve Borthwick supporting Toonie is like Kris Boyd supporting Wilfried Nancy. Blind loyalty does not mean it is a happy ship.

David: I think selection of Jamie Dobie (more a nine than a wing) is a strange one. We need the experience of Blair Kinghorn and could use Duhan van der Merwe as a wrecking ball off the bench. Kinghorn could also cover full-back. Tom Jordan is class and proven in England and normally plays 10 so why do we need Hastings? I would have had Kinghorn on the wing and an extra forward like Andy Onyeama-Christie, used to playing the English, on the bench. I hope we win this otherwise my English neighbours are going to be unbearable.

Arran: No Kinghorn? Really? Can see the continued absence of Duhan, despite his previous record against England, but Kinghorn is tall, good in the air and electric in attack. Even if he's not playing his best, he's a better fit for the modern kick-based strategy and better than Tom Jordan at full-back. I like the inclusion of Jamie Ritchie in the forwards to combat the English jackal threat and I'm happy for Gregor Brown to get the start, but 5-3 on the bench with Hastings in is just a bit baffling.

J Oliver: Townsend is now such a joyless manager. Emotionless and robotic. He inspires nothing and reeks of the corporation. And like the corporate or political class he never sees his own faults and thus won't go until pushed.