FT
SCOTLAND 18
IRELAND 32
The stakes were high in this game for both teams, however, the type of opportunity is a lot rarer one for Scotland. After England came out of Le Crunch with a win it has opened up the tournament for Scotland to push for a title if they can push their way past Ireland and France.
It was all Ireland in the first half with Scotland seeming to take blow after blow in the form of tries and injuries. Ireland was able to put serious pressure on Townsends’ squad through disrupting the breakdown and shutting down Scotland’s attack.
Scotland showed a bit more fire during the second half, however, they failed to convert anything against a strong and consistent Irish defence. The home side were gradually worn down by a quick and intelligent attack.
Ireland was quick to capitalise on Scotland’s errors after a lineout took them to in between the posts. Within two passes the ball was in Calvin Nash’s hands who had lots of space to run in for an unopposed try. Converted by Prendergast SCOT 0-7 IRE
Van Der Merwe received a yellow card after making a contact with Nash in a potential scoring opportunity.
Darcey Graham and Finn Russell collided heads leaving Graham in a bad state. Both left the field and didn’t return.
Prendergast penalty – SCOT 0-10 IRE 23”
Following a nice short side attack from a scrum and quick ball Caelan Doris bulldozed over for Irelands second try – converted by Prendergast SCOT 0-17 IRE 31”
Van Der Merwe dived for the line in a fantastic finish to get Scotland on the scoreboard after winning a penalty in front of Ireland’s try line.
HT: SCOTLAND 5-17 IRELAND
Kinghorn Penalty SCO 11-17 IRE 49”
Prendergast After Gibson-Park forced a scrum five meters from Scotland’s line James Lowe broke through a tackle to increase Irelands lead – 53” converted by Prendergast SCO 11 – IRE 24
The game slipped further away from Scotland as Jack Conan went over off the back of some intelligent kicking play from Gibson-Park – unconverted SCO 11 – 29 IRE 59”
Prendergast penalty – 11-32 69”
After a failed maul Ben White managed to pick and go for Scotland’s second try, giving them a chance at a bonus point – converted by Kinghorn SCO 18-32 IRE 76”
FT: SCOTLAND 18 – 32 IRELAND
