Scotland 6 England 13: Lancaster opens up with Murrayfield win

Stuart Lancaster’s reign as England head coach began with a nerve-jangling victory over Scotland in the Calcutta Cup at Murrayfield, writes Nick Westby.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Feb 2012, 19:08 BST

Halifax-born fly-half Charlie Hodgson scored the only try of the game after half-time to cap a doughty defensive performance from Lancaster’s England.

Owen Farrell kicked two penalties and a conversion on his England debut as a side boasting fewer than half the caps of Scotland fought valiantly for the victory.

Two Dan Parks’ penalties gave Scotland a 6-3 half-time lead but it was his kick that Hodgson charged down and scored from that proved decisive.

Greig Laidlaw had a try ruled out and England were thankful for a couple of terrific tackles from Ben Foden that kept the Scots at bay.

This was England’s first win at Murrayfield for eight years and was a testament to their counter-attacking and work off the ball.

Tougher tests await for Lancaster and his new-look squad who are now bound for Rome to face Italy next Saturday.