England fought back from a nine-point half time deficit to cut loose in the second period and beat Scotland 31-12, but results elsewhere meant that Jim Mallinder's side failed to make it into the top four of the pool round, and hence missed out on the championship semi finals.
Scotland entered this match as underdogs but their famous pride and energy kept England well at bay in the first half. Stifling their enterprise and snuffing out every last chance, David Blair's calm precision instead landed three penalties for John Jeffrey's men and it was the Scots who led 9-0 at the break.
The second half started with a downpour and, of the two teams, England obviously felt more at home. First Anthony Allen scored, then Jordan Crane broke through from a scrum and suddenly England were in the ascendancy and leading 10-9.
The Scots found it hard to respond and when English prop Alex Rogers went over for his side's third try the tables had well and truly turned. Despite another penalty for Blair, James Haskell's try secured the win and the bonus point before Crane's second.
Job done, Mallinder and his players had a nervous wait to find out the results in the other matches. They were hopeful but soon the smiles had disappeared as, effectively, Australia's win against New Zealand had edged them out of the semi final draw. Equal disappointment for the Scots after their fine first half performance was all but forgotten, wiped out by England's second half tirade.
Quotes
Topsi Ojo, England: We're happy with our performance but very disappointed that the results in the other matches didn't go our way. We didn't panic at half time, we knew what we had to do. Now we want to finish fifth.
Jim Mallinder, England coach: We knew what we had to do: score four tries. There was some pressure there but we knew we could win. Unfortunately we're not in control of what goes on elsewhere. We're not disappointed with ourselves. In losing to New Zealand without a bonus point we always knew we'd be reliant on other things going our way. We'll be ready for the next match.
Greig Laidlaw, Scotland scrum half: In the second half we made too many mistakes and the English made some, but less. Our goal is to win the next two games.
Iain Paxton, Scotland coach: It's a very tough competition, the opposition is of a high level. Our principle aim has been to open the players' eyes to a new level and we'll play better in the last two games.