Duhan van der Merwe: A try for the ages

SPOTLIGHT: The try of the 2023  Six Nations may have already been scored in the first round care of Duhan van der Merwe, who has scored a world-class effort against England in Twickenham.

Scotland stretched their lead to 12-5 just before the half-hour mark courtesy of a stunning solo try from Duhan Van Der Merwe.

The Edinburgh wing collected the ball just inside his own and held off five England tackles en route to crossing.

Not even the tackle attempt of hulking Harlequins No.8 Alex Dombrandt could stop the giant Scottish winger, whose footwork as well as power and pace proved simply too much for the English defenders.

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England did hit back quickly. Max Malins claimed his second try of the afternoon to bring England within touching distance at 12-10 behind just before the interval.

Quick ball to the right wing stretched the Scottish defence and Malins sidestepped the exposed Stuart Hogg before touching down.

Farrell was once again off target with the extras but the England skipper swiftly recovered to slot over a straightforward penalty, which put the hosts 13-12 in front at the end of an opening period which left Borthwick with plenty to ponder.

Having taken the lead for the first time in the match with the final action of the first half, England stretched their advantage in the 48th minute.

Ellis Genge burrowed over to break Scottish resistance before Farrell registered his first successful conversion of the afternoon to put the home side 20-12 ahead.

But the cushion did not last long as Scotland scrum-half Ben White dived over at the other end minutes later, with Russell’s conversion bringing Townsend’s men back to within a single point.

• Additional reporting RugbyPass