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, 44 minutes
Sharp thinking from Kyle Steyn. James Lowe absolutely drills one of his raking left-footed punts towards the touchline, and Steyn’s chances of a clean catch appear slim.
But the wing cleverly slides beneath it, knowing he can claim a mark before he skids over the touchline.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 42 minutes
Now then - Josh van der Flier is throwing the Ireland lineout! Ronan Kelleher remains on but is clearly so hampered by that injury that he feels unable to throw.
Van der Flier, true to form, does an impeccable impersonation of his Leinster teammate, hitting his jumper at the front.
Ireland’s attack fails to get moving, though, and Sione Tuipulotu’s locking limbs hold up a carrier to earn turnover possession.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 41 minutes
A high, hanging restart from Hogg, but Scotland are penalised as Scott Cummings and Matt Fagerson fail to communicate their intentions, the lock forming a maul and the latter knifing in at the side of it to try and attack the ball.
Back underway!
Stuart Hogg drops ball to boot and the second half begins.
Second half...
Johnny Sexton stares angrily at the floor in front of him as he strides back on the Murrayfield playing surface. Ireland will probably feel they have another level they might be able to go to, and will back their fitness - fatigue is definitely going to play a part if the encounter continues at the intensity of the first half.
Scotland are back out there, too. Centurion Stuart Hogg will get things back underway.
H/T: Scotland 7-8 Ireland
Ireland’s injury worries may not be over - Cian Healy was practicing his lineout throwing just before the interval with Ronan Kelleher appearing to have suffered an issue of some kind towards the end of that first half. Dan Sheehan is already done for the day after an early withdrawal.
H/T: Scotland 7-8 Ireland
Possession, by the way, fell perfectly evenly across that opening 40 minutes. It’s been high intensity stuff, with Scotland losing one forward to injury but Ireland three, which you feel might be decisive if it remains tight after the third quarter.
H/T: Scotland 7-8 Ireland
A first half played at an outstanding level virtually throughout. Both sides have produced some lovely moments in attack, challenging in varied ways, with some excellent scramble defence required and ensuring there was only one try apiece.
Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 41 minutes
Superb cover defence from Ireland! A passage to sum up the first half, with Scotland at first manipulating the Irish defence brilliantly with Sione Tuipulotu again to the fore, but the visitors reshaping and scrambling a carrier into touch.
Stuart Hogg’s offload found Scott Cummings, who in turn shipped it left to George Turner. The hooker has Duhan van der Merwe in the sidecar but can’t quite connect as he takes contact, and two Irish tacklers drive him out. That’s that for a mighty fun first forty minutes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments