Nicola Sturgeon was drinking in the sweet taste of victory after Scotland’s dramatic comeback at Twickenham.
Gregor Townsend’s men produced a stunning finish against England to get their 2023 Six Nations campaign off to the perfect start. Duhan Van der Merwe went over to give the visitors a 29-23 triumph in the Auld Enemy’s backyard, two years on from their last win in London, which was played out in front of empty stands due to Covid restrictions.
Townsend has come under pressure after a disappointing Autumn series, while the hosts were playing for the first time under new head coach Steve Borthwick after the dramatic sacking of predecessor Eddie Jones. The new man was left in no doubt the size of the task facing him though after the Scots stepped up their game in the second half to delight their fans and offer hope of a successful campaign this time around.
And they had a VIP in the dressing room joining in the celebrations in the shape of the First Minister. Ms Sturgeon was snapped drinking from the Calcutta Cup as the smiling players looked on.
Next up for the Scots is Wales at Murrayfield. They lost their opening fixture to Ireland in Cardiff, but Townsend’s team have played the Welsh straight after their previous two victories over England and didn't win on either occasion.
