SCOTLAND co-captain Rory Darge was “delighted” after lifting the Calcutta Cup for the first time as he praised Duhan van der Merwe for his match-winning hat-trick.  

England had raced into a 10-0 lead at Murrayfield on Saturday in the Guinness Six Nations clash before the first of Van der Merwe’s treble helped Scotland wrestle back momentum.  

The winger’s second try, a sprint up the touchline after George Furbank lost possession, helped Scotland into a half-time lead, before he made the game safe with his third score just after the interval.

Darge, of Aberlady, said: “It’s game-changing when he has a half-opportunity, takes it and scores.

“That’s a massive momentum swing. 

“As a forward, it’s definitely nice to see when you’re working hard in the rucks and you see Duhan run the length. It’s such a good feeling.” 

Darge admitted that Scotland were not at their best but was pleased with the side’s response to going behind early on.  

East Lothian Courier: Scotland captains Finn Russell and Rory Darge lift the Calcutta Cup Image: PAScotland captains Finn Russell and Rory Darge lift the Calcutta Cup Image: PA

The 24-year-old said: “We’re delighted to get the win.

“There were things we didn’t do well but we got the opportunities in the first half and took them well.

“We had spoken about momentum through the week and, when it was with us, we really leaned into it. 

“It was scrappy to start with for sure, but we weathered that.

“We made a few mistakes and part of that was the pressure England put us under.  

“Finn [Russell] and Ben [White] controlled the game and put us in the right places, and the forwards went to work on the back of that.

“It’s a very different feeling in the changing room compared to two weeks ago [when Scotland controversially lost to France].

“Even though there were bits we didn’t do well, to win with a nine-point margin, we’re delighted.” 

 

 

Scotland now have a chance to win a first Triple Crown since 1990 when they head to Dublin on the final weekend and they could be in contention for the championship if they beat Italy in Rome in two weeks’ time. 

Victory over England was the fourth year in a row that Scotland have won the trophy – which dates back to 1879 – played for annually between the two sides.

However, Darge missed last year’s tournament through injury and made his international debut seven days after Scotland’s victory over England in 2022.

Darge, who attended North Berwick High School, was keen to celebrate his first victory in the historic fixture before turning attention to the remaining two matches. 

 

 

The Glasgow Warriors flanker said: “We’re definitely delighted to get the win – it’s the Calcutta Cup.

“It’s my first one, so I’m delighted personally.  

“I thought the atmosphere was outstanding, and I’m just going to enjoy tonight.

“You have to enjoy it, then put it to bed so we can come back and really get after the Italy game.” 

When asked if Scotland now had something to play for, Darge said he was looking no further than the trip to Rome.  

He added: “We have to take it one game at a time. Enjoy tonight then, when the time comes, look no further than Italy because that’s obviously a tough away fixture.”