Hadden hails effort

Scotland coach praises forwards after victory over England.

Last updated: 8th March 2008

frank hadden

Hadden: Delighted with victory

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Scotland coach Frank Hadden hailed his side's Calcutta Cup win over England at Murrayfield as a 'Herculean' effort.

The Scots finally got a Six Nations win under their belts at the fourth time of asking as they beat the old enemy 15-9 at a wet and windy Murrayfield.

Hadden was full of praise for his forwards, who were lighter than England's pack but still set up the win in difficult conditions.

"Our lighter forwards were tremendous especially in the loose but also around the ruck area," said Hadden.

"In these weather conditions you've got to be apprehensive about being the lighter pack."

Start

"We were tentative and hesitant at the start of the game but I think that is because of the amount of criticism that the players have had to face.

"I told my players never to doubt their ability."

Despite defeats against France, Ireland and Wales previously, Hadden always thought his men were improving and could be successful as long as they cut out the errors.

"We know that we've got a good defence, Hadden added.

"The trouble is that in our opening games we made a lot of uncharacteristically stupid errors.

"I think we now have a better understanding of what we're trying to do."

England sunk

England coach Brian Ashton had no excuses for his side's defeat, admitting that his World Cup finalists were outplayed on the day.

Ashton pinpointed a lack of discipline in dangerous areas as a major factor behind the defeat, but overall the performance was too flat.

"This was a very disappointing performance from England," said Ashton. "Discipline let us down.

"Our penalty count was twice that of Scotland and to give away 12 penalties and five in kickable positions was unforgivable.

"One or two players played well but overall this was a flat performance from England. We knew that there would be a Scottish backlash.

"They had lost their first three games and this was their last game at home.

"If they had lost today they would have been playing in a wooden spoon decider next week."