Scotland vs Ireland LIVE rugby: Final score and result from Six Nations game today
Ireland took another step towards the Grand Slam
Wings Mack Hansen and James Lowe scored a try each for Ireland as flyhalf Johnny Sexton became the joint leading scorer in Six Nations history following a pulsating 22-7 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.
Replacement number eight Jack Conan scored Ireland’s third try as they turned up the heat in the second half despite the loss of both hookers to injury, leading to flanker Josh van der Flier throwing in at the line-out and three props in the front row of the scrum.
Scotland were in the game at halftime as they trailed 8-7 having scored a try through centre Huw Jones, which will give them some confidence heading into the Rugby World Cup where they face Ireland and South Africa in their pool with only two teams to advance to the quarter-finals.
Ireland, who have claimed the Triple Crown and have their sights now set on a Grand Slam, lead the Six Nations table with 19 points from four games, four ahead of second-placed France.
They host England in their final game next Saturday while Scotland welcome Italy.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 55 minutes
Josh van der Flier hits his man at the lineout again, with Ireland’s unlikely understudies doing their jobs well.
That’s even better for the visitors - Mack Hansen takes to the skies and claims Jamison Gibson-Park’s up-and-under. Irish shirts pour into the Scottish 22.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 54 minutes
Maybe Cian Healy has always been a hooker? Ireland penalty! As far as I’m aware, Healy’s first competitive international entanglement in the middle of the front row ends with Luke Pearce penalising Simon Berghan for standing up under pressure from Andrew Porter, who will have to go the distance on the loosehead.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 54 minutes
Changes before the scrum for Scotland as they try to attack that quirky Irish front row: Jamie Bhatti and Simon Berghan are called on, with Pierre Schoeman and Zander Fagerson taking leave.
Ireland are also making a change. Jamison Gibson-Park is back fit and back into action, taking the place of Conor Murray.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 53 minutes
Scotland’s lineout is more conventionally formed, with George Turner still amongst things.
A promising maul is stalled after a gain of five metres. Finn Russell then throws a forward pass.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 51 minutes
This is turning into a slightly bizarre contest. Ireland have a prop scrummaging at hooker and a flanker throwing in at the lineout.
The two teams trade turnovers, Mack Hansen doing good work again before Scotland win it back. Sione Tuipulotu gives Josh van der Flier a pressure lineout to deliver...and the openside holds his nerve to hit double tops. He’s getting better and better.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 49 minutes
Josh van der Flier remains Ireland’s nominated thrower, and is back on target, hitting the man at the front.
A midfield knock on will cause problems for the visitors, though - Scotland will have the scrum feed.
Hmm. It appears Cian Healy is prepared, and appropriately qualified, to scrummage at hooker. He’s not required for long: Ireland are free kicked before the shoving can start.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 48 minutes
Strong from Mack Hansen! Scotland threaten the left edge but the Ireland wing jackals swiflty, holding his position perfectly despite Zander Fagerson’s attempted clearout.
And finally Ireland are going to make that second hooker switch: Cian Healy is introduced, which presumably will result in uncontested scrums.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 47 minutes
That’s aless pretty lineout attempt from Josh van der Flier - it’s a more ambitious call for the flanker to deal with, targeting the tail, and he doesn’t quite get his dart directed right.
George Turner collects and Scotland can attack.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 46 minutes
Ireland turn the ball over. Ben White finds space with his box kick, with Ryan Baird the slightly unlikely man to retrieve it for Ireland.
The replacement second row appears ready to show his kicking ability, but perhaps wisely re-thinks, dummying and taking contact before getting an offload away.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 45 minutes
Ireland are trying to pin Scotland back. Finn Russell is forced over his own goalline after a chip up the right touchline bounces inwards away from a retreating Matt Fagerson.
Stuart Hogg powers the goalline dropout 60 yards up field.
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