Thursday, March 10, 2011
Classic Encounters - Scotland vs England, Calcutta Cup 1990
It was a winner takes all encounter, as the Five Nations and Grand Slam were up for grabs, and the underdog Scots could sniff blood. It was a powerful England side and amidst the backdrop of political turmoil, there was a special feeling at Murrayfield.
Having beaten Ireland in a tight game in Dublin, Scotland then thrashed the French 21-0 in Edinburgh, before narrowly beating the Welsh 13-9 in Cardiff. This set up the Murrayfield decider against England, with the winners being in line to claim the Calcutta Cup, the Five Nations Championship, the Triple Crown, and of course, the Grand Slam.
The Scots used the perceived English arrogance to build up the hype leading into the game, as Will Carling and his troops appeared to believe they could just turn up and win. When David Sole led his team out onto the park with a now famous walk, it became all to clear that this was going to be no walkover for the favourites.
This documentary takes you through the emotions superbly, as we get to hear from some of those involved in the historic event, learn more about the political angst leading up to it, and get to watch as Scotland achieved one of their most famous victories.
The documentary is 28 minutes long and presented in two parts below. Its well worth watching, even if youre a neutral, as its a wonderful piece of rugby history. I hope you enjoy it.
Time: 28 mins total
Thanks to the BBC for the brilliant piece.
Posted at 5:52 pm | 24 comments
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Viewing 24 comments
berko75 March 10, 2011 8:48 pm

Student March 10, 2011 9:16 pm

Anonymous March 10, 2011 9:22 pm

'mon Scotland!
SpencaH March 10, 2011 9:26 pm

RD March 10, 2011 9:42 pm

I'm glad some of you enjoyed it. Great docu.
Anonymous March 10, 2011 10:41 pm

I don't think there's much question who wld have won that fight!!!
Sandra March 11, 2011 2:39 am

And that's coming from an Englishman.
Bobby Nations March 11, 2011 5:54 am

The lineouts sure were a lot more interesting back before you were allowed to lift. It truly was a contest.
Look at the scrums when you weren't allowed to push before the ball came in or feed to your 8 man's feet. No need for the silly "crouch, touch, pick your nose, engage" routine, and they stayed up too!
Did anyone else notice how quickly the ball emerged from the rucks during that match? Oddly enough, speedy delivery tended to be the norm back when a hand in got stomped and lying around on the floor got you punished for your troubles. No need for the ref to trouble his whistle or squeek out instructions. Simple, and efficient.
Sigh, this might officially qualify me for entry to geezerhood, but the old days were better.
iheartseanobrien March 11, 2011 6:52 am

Have to say though Will Carling was a really great player back in the day. Even though he epitomises that arrogance that is mentioned in the documetary.
Any of you who wish to see Carling's arrogance punished in the most brilliant way, you will enjoy this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03gpzFZadcQ
View Video
Wolfman March 11, 2011 7:45 am

He had the greatest turn of phrase - "It looked so inebriated as it went over". He also had a wonderful ability of staying neutral despite witnessing one of Scotland's greatest victories. I miss hearing his comentry, especially when we have to make do with Brian Moore and his ilk.
As a side note, I love it when arrogant teams lose, especially when it is the English!
Colombes March 11, 2011 9:51 am

Favorite statut may exist before a match but willing do the rest.
Even if england are favorites on sunday, scotland should remember it
ps: hearing guys like Mc Laren or Couderc (France) give nostalgy of tv commentators who were passionate and fair for both teams. don't u moore and butler?
Sam March 11, 2011 10:47 am

Anonymous March 11, 2011 11:37 am

This silly N vs S is just ridiculous now.
katman March 11, 2011 12:19 pm

Not too many oil paintings in that Scottish forwards line-up during the anthem.
wow-jiffy-lube March 11, 2011 12:55 pm

Anonymous March 11, 2011 1:27 pm

As amateurs did the internationals perhaps mean more to the old players than the existing ones? I don't mean to say the current players don't care as much, for certainly there are many that do, but I wonder about some of the current players. It's hard to always have that passion about a career.
Can't think of too many David Sole's, Finlay Calder (hard hard man) these days........
Anonymous March 11, 2011 1:30 pm

Filipe
Anonymous March 11, 2011 2:40 pm

Com'on Scots Rise again this week end!
Phil March 11, 2011 8:31 pm

Agree with the comment about the oil paintings during the Scottish national anthem. Love the camerawork too as the cameraman scans along the forwards, then suddenly realises that the next guy (scrum half?) is about a foot shorter and jerks his camera down!
Anonymous March 12, 2011 1:23 pm

Anonymous March 12, 2011 7:17 pm

















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