Lancaster Proud Of England

Interim England rugby coach Stuart Lancaster has heaped praise on his inexperience side after their victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday in their Six Nations opener. England ( weathered some intense Scottish pressure and a try from a Charlie Hodgson charge-down ultimately proved the difference as England retained the Calcutta Cup with their first win north of the border since 2004.

Three players in the starting XV were making their debuts and there were a further four debuts from the bench. The new blood put in strong performances that reflected Lancaster's efforts to restore a sense of pride in playing for England that he felt has been lost in recent times, especially at last autumn's world cup.

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Lancaster said, "This is a very difficult place to come and win. It has been a great result for us. We have been delighted with the attitude we showed, particularly in defence. Our discipline was very good and our desire to work hard, play for each other, play for the shirt. They are the things we have talked about and it was great to see them come through."

Lancaster was right to highlight England's defensive efforts as the men in white put in 142 tackles to Scotland's 62. It was an all too familiar story for Scotland who yet again failed to convert from periods of sustained pressure.

England will go into next week's game against Italy full of confidence whereas Scotland should worry that a trip to Cardiff could end in a heavy defeat .

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