Townsend becomes a fan again as Scotland stun England in Six Nations

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu lifts the Calcutta Cup following a 31-20 Six Nations win over England Photo credits: AFP

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said he had become a fan again after a barnstorming 31-20 Calcutta Cup win at Murrayfield on Saturday ended England’s 12-game winning streak.

Townsend’s men arrived in Edinburgh following a dispiriting 18-15 loss away to Italy in their Six Nations opener -- a defeat that raised fresh questions about their ability to cope with adversity.

But Scotland ran in four tries on Saturday as they scuppered England’s hopes of a Grand Slam.

Scotland centre Huw Jones twice crossed England’s line to make it eight tries in eight Tests against the Auld Enemy, the centre’s double coming each side of scores from Jamie Ritchie and Ben White.

Henry Arundell hit back for England but only in between receiving two yellow cards in the first half –- which led to a 20-minute red –- before a late consolation try from Ben Earl.

“I’m so proud,” Townsend told reporters after Scotland’s fifth win in six Tests against England. “Being a supporter, seeing the rugby that the players were playing, I had to realise I was a coach again, and I snapped out of it quite quickly.” AFP