Peter Burke
It was a game that some feared might halt our winning streak and scupper our chances of a grand slam or championship. Our record against the Scots is impressive but today was always going to be a test of the mind and physicality.
Ireland are one from one having beaten England at home and Scotland were on the same streak having overcome a dogged Italian side. Ireland wasted no time, unlike last week, and found themselves in a 17-0 lead with tries from Calvin Nash and Caelan Doris, Sam Prendergast provided the extras and also added a penalty.
The game was cagey in the first quarter with both sides testing the others defence and attack with an obvious mis match upfront where Ireland seemed to dominate. The Scottish threat was always going to come from the backs directed by their outhalf Russell.
Scotland were not playing well though they looked rattled, and to compound issues Finn Russell and Darcy Graham collided early in the second quarter and both were removed from the contest, Graham being stretchered off after treatment on the pitch, with Russell putting his coat on and saying ‘Enough of that’. Thats two of their key play makers gone and no one of the bench had their calibre.
The half time point was approaching and Ireland had a lineout to defend deep inside their 22 and all they had to was collect, defend and kick it off the park and that was that, into the sheds 17-0 up. Unfotunately it didnt happen, Scotland spoiled and moved the ball wide to Van Der Merwe who acrobatically touched down in the corner for their first try of the game. The conversion missed the halftime score was 5 – 17 to Ireland. The Irish lineout continues to frustrate us fans and I assume the coaching staff.
It had a feel about it that this was going to be Irelands day but history teaches us that you just never write off the Scots or any team for that matter. Scotland started the second half like a different team. They were gelling, passes were hitting there mark, their speed to ruck vastly improved, lineout defense was well ok.
Ireland were having none of it. Gauntlet thrown and Ireland picked it up and kicked it out of the park as if to say ‘What else have you got’?.
Ireland turned on the pressure and their ruthless nature was activated. They were utterly dominant. James Lowe and Jack Conan scored within seven minutes of each other approaching the hour mark
Gibson-Park causing issues all over the park but was, and expectedly replaced by Murray to close out the game.
Man of the match, and a guy who would has the aura of a ‘Whatevs man’ about him, Sam Prendergast added another three-pointer before Ben White touched down for a score board reliever which much to the relief of the Scots meant the final whistle was soon to be blown.
Ireland were the dominant force and Scotland just didnt have the answers. We have a weeks break and then we head to Cardiff for a triple crown showdown with Wales.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend: “When they had the ball, they scored. The yellow card made it tough for us to get back in the game. Then the injuries disrupted things.
“I felt the players were building back into the game, but once Ireland got back into our 22 they showed how clinical they are. When you are behind on the scoreboard against a quality side, you need to make sure they don’t get more opportunities.
“We’ll get learnings. Accuracy would be the number one thing.”
Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby: “We did what we set out to do in the game. We started strongly and limited Scotland to a few opportunities in the first half.
“We were good at not giving their individuals opportunities. They were hamstrung by injuries to Finn Russell and Darcy Graham, but we delivered an intent to attack in the right way.
“I thought Sam Prendergast put us in the right areas more often than not and that is what you need. We managed the game well throughout.”
Scotland: 15-Kinghorn, 14-Graham, 13-Jones, 12-Jordan, 11-Van der Merwe; 10-Russell (co-capt), 9-White; 1-Sutherland, 2-Cherry, 3-Z. Fagerson, 4-J. Gray, 5-Gilchrist, 6-M Fagerson, 7-R Darge (co-capt), 8-Dempsey.
Replacements: 16-Ashman, 17-Schoeman, 18-Hurd, 19-Skinner, 20-Brown, 21-Ritchie, 22-Dobie, 23-McDowall.
Ireland: 15-Keenan; 14-Nash, 13-Henshaw, 12-Aki, 11-Lowe; 10-Prendergast, 9-Gibson-Park; 1-Porter, 2-Kelleher, 3-Bealham, 4-Ryan, 5-Beirne; 6-O’Mahony, 7-Van der Flier, 8-Doris (capt).
Replacements: 16-Sheehan, 17-Healy, 18-Clarkson, 19-Baird, 20-Conan, 21-Murray, 22-Crowley, 23-Ringrose.