The brilliant full-back scored two of England’s six tries, spearheading a crushing success.

‘‘Balshaw must be up there with Christian Cullen when you look at his broken field running,’’ said Scotland skipper Andy Nicol.

‘‘He is an example of England’s exceptional pace, and they use it very well.

‘‘They play in a five-metre channel, which makes it hard to defend against. They are good at creating chances and taking them.’’

The Six Nations leaders and title favourites romped home through a 6-0 try count Balshaw and number eight Lawrence Dallaglio grabbing two each.

Flanker Richard Hill and centre Will Greenwood also touched down as the Scots found themselves outmuscled up front and stretched in all directions behind.

The 40-point winning margin smashed England’s previous best for a fixture stretching back 130 years, and their 22-try tournament tally is already a championship-best in one season.

It was a more complete performance than either of the wins against Wales (44-15) or Italy (80-23), leaving next opponents Ireland scheduled in Dublin on March 24, subject to the foot and mouth epidemic with plenty to worry about.

‘‘England are among the top three teams in the world just now. There is no doubt about it,’’ added Scotland coach Ian McGeechan.

‘‘They are capable of winning matches from every part of the pitch.

‘‘The nearest I have ever come to achieving that was with the British Lions against Orange Free State in 1997.

‘‘We have a lot of work to do to be able to play against that type of football.’’

Scotland’s Grand Slam-wrecking success against England in Edinburgh last April was emphatically consigned to the history books.

Once England found their familiar stride and pattern they led just 8-3 approaching half-time there was no stopping them.

Centre Mike Catt proved their premier attacking catalyst, with Balshaw enjoying another magnificent match in his fledgling Test career and skipper Martin Johnson orchestrating a mighty forward effort.

Quick ball was consistently the key to unlocking Scotland’s defence, and it wasn’t just Balshaw and the backs who made hay.

Johnson, his fellow lock Danny Grewcock and prop Phil Vickery all enjoyed momentous games with ball in hand as England found second-half cruise control.

‘‘When you play an open game, the backs always tend to get the credit, but the forwards were outstanding. Even I am starting to watch them now,’’ said England boss Clive Woodward.

‘‘The ball-handling among them was superb, and they deserve the plaudits.’’

Former Wigan and Great Britain rugby league star Jason Robinson, who won his second union cap off the bench, delivered an enthralling 20-minute cameo that matched Balshaw’s contribution for sheer excitement.

He created Greenwood’s score through some trademark dancing and weaving, and the impact was keenly felt by Nicol and his brave, but battered, team.

‘‘Just when your legs are beginning to tire, they bring on someone like Robinson,’’ Nicol added.

‘‘I had experience of him when I was with Bath I saw then what a remarkable runner he is.

‘‘Both feet seem to leave the ground, and when he lands, you have no idea where he is going to go. I don’t think he does either.’’

Robinson left would-be tacklers for dead deep inside his own half, and a superbly-delivered inside pass allowed Greenwood to sprint over for his fifth try of the championship.

Fly-half Jonny Wilkinson converted, giving him 13 points, and England completed yet another comprehensive triumph.

It was their seventh successive Test win, stretching back to South Africa last summer, with only Ireland and France now standing between England and a first Grand Slam since 1995.

Like Wales and Italy before them, Scotland were powerless to prevent the inevitable.

For Woodward and company, the records and the accolades just keep on coming.