Farrell in Murrayfield tunnel row with Scots

OWEN Farrell was involved in a tunnel bust-up with Scotland back rower Ryan Wilson before the start of the Calcutta Cup yesterday.

The Saracens centre and his rival pushed and shoved each other after exchanging angry words as they walked off after warming-up for the clash at Murrayfield.

Team-mates had to separate the fighting pair who eventually calmed down and walked back to their dressing rooms.

Farrell has built up a reputation for being a fiery character with a trigger temper and could find himself in trouble if referee Nigel Owens mentions it in his report or any complaints are made to rugby bosses.

Fortunately the ill-feeling did not spill out onto the field during the game and both teams tried hard to play down the incident as Scotland ended England’s hopes of a Grand Slam by winning 25-13 for their first victory over the auld enemy at Murrayfield since 2008.

England head coach Eddie Jones, encountering only his second defeat in 23 games, claimed: “I don’t know anything about it. It would be a shame if something like that took all the headlines because the story of today was Scotland’s outstanding performance and win.”

Scotland captain John Barclay insisted: “I guess there’s always plenty of passion and emotion before and during these games. It’s always a special occasion with players keen to do their best and get on top. We were very smart with the ball and our decision making.

“Our defence was excellent and our attack very clinical. We must show the same kind of characteristics in the coming weeks and finish the tournament on a high. We will enjoy this win, but then focus on the next job in hand.”

Scotland Finn Russell said: “I wasn’t there but I leave this kind of thing up to the bigger guys any way.”

Sadly, for England, they lost the fight on the field as two tries from centre Huw Jones gave Scotland their first win over England in ten years.

Ireland, who face Scotland next and then England in their final game, are now the only unbeaten side in the tournament after edging past Wales 37-27 in Dublin.

England have to win their remaining two clashes against France in Paris and then the final game at Twickenham to have any chance of winning a third Six Nations.

Eddie Jones said he took the blame for England’s surprise Calcutta Cup loss.

The head coach said: “I take full responsibility for the performance because it just wasn’t there. It’s my job to get them ready for the game and I clearly did not do my job well enough.

“A loss hurts and this one hurts. One dressing room is singing, the other is kicking themselves.

“We were ready for a war because it is the Calcutta Cup. Get off the bus and everyone is hurling stuff at you. We have to take it on the chin and come back fighting.

“These are lessons you don’t want to have, but they are great lessons. You have to learn from them. We were never in the game in the opening 40 minutes and lacked intensity, but that’s human nature. I was still proud of the way the guys rose to the challenge in the second half.

“They beat us in the break down and took their chances. I will have to take a look at things.”