Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
watch listen BBC Sport BBC Sport
Low graphics|Help
Last Updated: Saturday, 25 February 2006, 19:33 GMT
Hadden praises 'awesome defence'
Scotland coach Frank Hadden lifts the Calcutta Cup
Hadden lifts the Calcutta Cup
Scotland coach Frank Hadden was quick to praise the spirit of his side after their Calcutta Cup win over England.

"I'm so proud," a delighted Hadden told BBC Sport. "It was an awesome defensive effort because England are such a hard team to play against.

"Make no mistake, England played pretty well. They hold on to the ball for long spells but our defence was magnificent.

"The boys are all fit and as the game went on we gained in momentum, while England began to tire a little."

It was only Scotland's third win over the auld enemy in 16 years.

"I really am lost for words," said Hadden. "It was an absolutely unbelievable defensive effort and it's a reminder that there's more than one way to win a rugby match.

"The continual in-your-face defensive effort and the sharpness of our line speed and the speed of reorganisation in defence meant that eventually there was nowhere left for England to go.

We could have gone another 10 minutes and kept on fighting for each other
Jason White

"There was no let up in our defensive effort. Sometimes you see the bigger, heavier, stronger side wear the other team down but that didn't happen."

Chris Paterson kicked five penalties and Dan Parks added a drop goal for the Scots while England had only four Charlie Hodgson penalties to show for their efforts as their hopes of the Grand Slam were dashed.

Triumphant Scotland skipper Jason White, who won the man-of-the-match award, hailed the victory as "one of the best days of my life".

White also saluted the Murrayfield crowd, who urged Hadden's men on throughout.

"The crowd were brilliant, they just kept going, and we backed each other up on the pitch with great team spirit," he said.

"We could have gone another 10 minutes and kept on fighting for each other."

Highlights: Scotland 18-12 England

Reaction: Frank Hadden and Jason White

Scotland 18-12 England
25 Feb 06 |  Six Nations
Robinson rues poor ball retention
25 Feb 06 |  Six Nations


The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


E-mail services | Sport on mobiles/PDAs


Back to top


banner watch listen bbc sport