Nowell helps England to victory

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs star Jack Nowell described England’s RBS Six Nations victory over Scotland today as “massive” and hopes Eddie Jones’ side can now kick on in the competition.

In a hard fought encounter, Cornishman Nowell claimed his eighth international try as he followed up an earlier score from George Kruis to help England to a 15-9 success.

Centre Owen Farrell kicked the remainder of the visiting points with Gloucester scrum-half Greig Laidlaw slotting three penalties for the Scots.

“It’s a massive result for us,” said Nowell post-match. “There was nothing more important today than getting the win. Murrayfield is a very tough place to come and the conditions weren’t great either, but as Dylan [Hartley] just said, we’ve only been together for two weeks so come out and get the win was awesome.”

With little to choose between the two sides during the first half, England cranked up the gears in the second half and it was during that time that Nowell was able to dive over in the corner for his score.

At the other end, the 22-year-old helped play his part in a strong defensive effort from the visitors.

“You have to give credit to Scotland, they’re a good side and very physical - and they came into this game on a massive high from the World Cup,” added Nowell. “We knew we had to come here and prove how good we are and put a result on them.

“Yes, it was frantic at times out there, but we trust ourselves in our defence and the work Guzzy [Paul Gustard] has done was awesome. As I said, we’re just happy to come out here and get the win,”

Next up for Jones’ new-look England is a trip to Rome on February 14 when Italy - who lost their opening game to France in Paris - lie in wait for the Red Rose country.

Nowell, who has been in sparkling form for club and country this season, will be hoping to build on his success in Scotland against club-mate Michele Campagnaro.