Scotland vs Ireland live: Latest score as Paddy Jackson try puts Irish ahead after second-half fightback
Scotland welcome Ireland to Murrayfield in the Six Nations opener
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
The Six Nations kicks off at Murrayfield on Saturday as much-fancied Ireland face many people’s dark horses Scotland.
It is Scotland coach Vern Cotter’s last Championships in charge of the team after it was announced he would be replaced by Gregor Townsend in the summer.
Ireland are coming into the fixture on the back of a 2016 which saw then beat all three Southern Hemisphere giants, Australia, South Africa and, most impressively, New Zealand.
What time does it start?
Kick-off is at 2.30pm on Saturday 4 January.
Where can I watch it?
The game is shown live on BBC1 at 10.30pm. You can also follow The Independent’s live blog for all the action.
Follow it live...
Odds…
Scotland: 37/19
Ireland: 3/7
Draw: 19/1
(Odds provided by 888sport)
Past three meetings…
Ireland 35 Scotland 25 - Six Nations 2016
Ireland 28 Scotland 22 – Rugby World Cup 2015
Scotland 10 Ireland 40 – Six Nations 2015
Form guide…
Scotland: LLWWLW
Ireland: LWWLWW
64 mins: A huge cheer goes up with the return of James Haskell, who comes on to replace Joe Launchbury meaning that Maro itoje will move to the second row. Damien Chouly also departs as Loann Goujon comes on in his place.
66 mins: Youngs turns to hunt for his halfback partner, Ford, and once he finds him the Bath fly-half sends a lovely touchfinder into the corner. Both Marler and Youngs leave the field, with Matt Mullan and Danny Care on.
69 mins: A chance here for England as they win a penalty at the scrum. Farrell sends it into the corner, and George Ford leaves as Ben Te'o comes on to move Farrell to 10. Jonathan Joseph leaves as well as Jack Nowell also returns from injury. We restart with the lineout, and England secure ball before mauling it up-field. Te'o takes it up with his first play of the match, and as Farrell goes wide he slips at a crucial moment. Advantage England for offside, and Nowell makes a strong break that carries him within 3 metres....TRY FOR ENGLAND!
70 mins: Good strong carries from England's replacements sees a gap open up for Farrell. He sucks in Fickou and Nakaitaci drifts wide, and steaming through comes Ben Teo'o with his third touch to score the try! Farrell converts and England lead 19-16.
72 mins: France ring the changes, and after a bit of confusion, it looks as though Guirado and Lamerat have departed along with Camille Lopez, as Yoann Huget, Jean-Marc Doussain and Athur Iturria come on...I think.
75 mins: England are looking to grind this one out now. They keep it tight, and win a penalty that they gladly take for in at the side of the maul. Farrell kicks to the 22.
76 mins: Care spots space on the blindside that Mullan runs into. Wood takes the pick-and-go, but runs square into Cole and gives away the scrum for crossing.
78 mins: France clear their lines but they're having to play on the back foot here and that's not going to win them the game. England's replacements have proven the difference here, and they just need to hold out for a 15th win in a row.
79 mins: French pressure at the breakdown pays off and Care knocks the ball forwards, giving France the put-in on their own 10m line. Last-chance saloon here with 76 seconds on the clock.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments