Press Conference - I have never been involved in a game like that - Townsend

The Scotland changing room at the final whistle was a strange place to be admitted head coach Gregor Townsend after his side produced a comeback for the ages but had to settle for a draw with England.

Trailing 31-0 after half an hour at Twickenham, Townsend feared another 60-point mauling like the one they received here two years ago in the Guinness Six Nations.

But Scotland refused to roll over, running in six tries either side of half time to stand on the verge of a famous victory – their first at Twickenham since 1983.

It wasn’t to be in the end, George Ford’s last-gasp score and conversion rescuing a share of the spoils for England and leaving Townsend scratching his head.

“I’ve never been involved in a game like that,” he said.  “Not many games unfold like that.

“I am very happy with the draw considering the first half, but the players are absolutely gutted which is incredible to think.

“At half time we talked about winning back respect. That was going to be a huge challenge.

“They were in control, but in the last ten minutes of first half we showed more intensity and cohesion in our defence.

“Stuart’s try was a bonus on top of that but to score five more in the second half is still hard to believe.”

“Credit goes to Finn Russell as well, his decision making was excellent, he attached very well with ball in hand and had some very big moments in defence.”

The comeback was begun by Stuart McInally, the Scotland skipper scoring a fine solo score from halfway after charging down Owen Farrell.

Thereafter, Scotland ran riot and will retain the Calcutta Cup after last year’s victory – much to McInally’s delight.

“It is a strange one, we dared to dream and thought we might have done it,” he said. 

“But we are really proud of our second half, it is great to retain the Calcutta Cup. It’s a good feeling in a game we could have won. The overriding emotion is that we are pleased.

“At half time we spoke about winning the second half, that was what we wanted to do.

“Did we think we could score 38 unanswered points? No probably not, but you score one, you score another and you start to believe.”

via SixNationsRugby.com