Controversial try sparks debate in England's narrow victory over Scotland

On February 23, 2025, England faced Scotland in a thrilling Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham, securing a narrow victory with a score of 16-15. Tommy Freeman played a pivotal role in this match by scoring England's only try early in the first half. The try, which came after Freeman collided with defenders Finn Russell and Tom Jordan, was initially met with controversy as replays suggested there were doubts about whether he had grounded the ball. However, referee Pierre Brousset awarded the try on the field, and the television match official, Tual Trainini, found insufficient evidence to overturn the decision. The Scots were left to rue missed opportunities, particularly notable was Finn Russell’s missed conversion attempt after Duhan van der Merwe scored late in the game, leaving them just one point short of a win. Scotland exhibited a strong performance overall, dominating possession and territory throughout the match but struggled to convert chances into points. England's defense proved resilient, managing to hold off Scotland's advances as they attempted to build scoreboard pressure through attacking play. England's head coach Steve Borthwick acknowledged that the victory was not without its challenges. He noted areas for improvement, emphasizing that while the team was growing and learning from close defeats, the match itself was far from perfect. His remarks indicate an intention to foster growth within the squad by addressing their tactical approaches while still celebrating their ability to secure victories under pressure. Overall, this match marked a significant achievement for England, securing the Calcutta Cup for the first time since 2020, amidst ongoing competitive spirit and historical rivalry between the two teams. On the other hand, Scotland's head coach Gregor Townsend expressed disappointment with certain key moments that could have swung the match in their favor. He mentioned feedback from his coaching staff at the moment of Freeman’s try, indicating a strong belief among them that it was not valid. Townsend's remarks on fine margins highlight the competitive nature of rugby, where moments of contention can ultimately decide the outcome of a match. This result serves to underscore the challenges both teams face as they prepare for future encounters.