By the time the ultimate whistle blew on this match, many of the crowd at Murrayfield had lengthy since adopted the thousand-yard stare of Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, pressured to relive the very same expertise for the gazillionth time, with no expectation that issues will ever be completely different.
In reality, this was solely Scotland’s eleventh consecutive loss to Ireland. But it was probably their most miserable but. With residence benefit, a backline which even shorn of Sione Tuipulotu packed sufficient star wattage to energy the Edinburgh grid and an Ireland workforce who had proven some vulnerability towards England the earlier weekend (albeit just for about half an hour), hopes had been as excessive as ever that Scotland may no less than give their bogey workforce a sport. It is the hope that kills you.
Ireland had been far too good for Gregor Townsend’s males, far too robust, far too savvy. It is more and more apparent that studies of their demise through the autumn had been grossly exaggerated. Ireland stay firmly on the right track for an historic ‘three-peat’ – that dreadful Americanism which has sadly infiltrated sport. In reality, they have to now be thought-about favourites to say a hat-trick of titles, one thing no nation has ever achieved within the males’s sport, not for the reason that unique Home Nations launched in 1883. After France’s slip-up at Twickenham, and with the French having to journey to Dublin this yr, the Grand Slam is Ireland’s to lose.
Scotland had been dispatched with a minimal of fuss. A rousing pre-match ovation for Sir Chris Hoy, the Olympic legend who’s battling terminal most cancers, gave the event a poignant really feel. But Ireland don’t deal in sentimentality.
Ireland overwhelmed the hosts in an embarrassingly one-sided first half, scoring two tries through winger Calvin Nash and captain Caelan Doris, and will have had a hatful extra. They solely scored three factors whereas Duhan van der Merwe was within the bin for barging Nash into spark off the ball. Twice Scotland held them up over the road. But Scotland by no means appeared like they believed.
The hosts had been extraordinarily unlucky to lose their very own captain Finn Russell and the livewire Darcy Graham halfway via the primary half after they collided with one another. The latter left the sector on a stretcher, sporting a neck brace, and needed to go to hospital for additional checks. “We believe there are no issues around his neck, it’s more checking the concussion, we’re hoping there are no broken bones in his face,” Townsend reported.
But even the lack of two such influential gamers doesn’t excuse a largely toothless efficiency which can increase additional questions for Scotland’s head coach. The knives had been firmly out by the end. “That was painful,” wrote former worldwide Ruaridh Jackson on X. “So inaccurate, no gameplan, no edge. We seem to be wasting this golden age of players. Really can’t see us taking the final step forward unfortunately. Ireland are so detailed, accurate, aggressive.”
Apart from a quick spell both aspect of half-time when Scotland scored 11 unanswered factors – Van der Merwe touching down brilliantly within the nook (see the video under) and Blair Kinghorn, who in equity had an excellent sport, changing two additional penalties – it was one-way visitors, because it has been so typically on this fixture lately.
Ireland had been dominant on the breakdown, profitable 102 rucks to Scotland’s 65, and much more scientific once they had the ball. James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park had been good once more, as they had been final week, whereas Sam Prendergast, Ireland’s 21-year-old fly-half, who had a troublesome afternoon towards England in Dublin, appeared much more assured right here, exhibiting his full vary of passing, and kicking all however certainly one of his makes an attempt at purpose. Andy Farrell, watching on from the stands, would have loved his man-of-the-match efficiency, having fast-tracked his promotion.
Lowe and alternative Jack Conan added additional tries within the second half as Ireland wrapped up the bonus level by the hour mark, with Ben White scoring a late comfort for Scotland. The ambiance had lengthy since evaporated by that stage, as Groundhog Day set in. “No one is more disappointed than me,” Townsend mirrored, denying that Scotland had been “back to square one”.
In some respects it might assist that Scotland’s subsequent fixture is at Twickenham. Townsend’s males have gained 4 consecutive video games towards the Auld Enemy and victory in that fixture would go an extended technique to erasing the reminiscence of this defeat. But persistence is sporting skinny. Scotland have pulled that rabbit out of the hat earlier than.
As for Ireland, the inexperienced juggernaut rolls on. They go to Wales subsequent earlier than that conflict towards France in Dublin which can absolutely decide whether or not or not they win a Grand Slam. “There is an opportunity which has been well documented and we’ve got to make sure that we prepare in the right way for Wales and go their with the same sort of mindset that we came here with,” Ireland’s stand-in head coach Simon Easterby mentioned when requested about that risk. Like his workforce, he was on autopilot.
Match particulars
Scoring sequence: 0-5 Nash strive; 0-7 Prendergast con; 0-10 Prendergast pen; 0-15 Doris strive; 0-17 Prendergast con; 5-17 van der Merwe strive; 8-17 Kinghorn pen; 11-17 Kinghorn pen; 11-22 Lowe strive; 11-24 Prendergast con; 11-29 Conan strive; 11-32 Prendergast pen; 16-32 White strive; 18-32 Kinghorn con
Scotland: B Kinghorn, D Graham (J Dobie 21), H Jones, T Jordan, D Van der Merwe, F Russell (S McDowall 21), B White; R Sutherland (P Schoeman 48), D Cherry (E Ashman 48), Z Fagerson (W Hurd 68), J Gray (G Brown 48), G Gilchrist (S Skinner 68), M Fagerson, R Darge (c), J Dempsey (J Ritchie 61)
Yellow card: van der Merwe 14
Ireland: H Keenan, C Nash (J Crowley 65), R Henshaw, B Aki (G Ringrose 58), J Lowe, S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park (C Murray 70); A Porter (C Healy 70), R Kelleher (D Sheehan 41), F Bealham (T Clarkson 61), J Ryan (R Baird 65), T Beirne; P O’Mahony (J Conan 52), J Van der Flier, C Doris (c)
Referee: J Doleman (NZL)
05:41 PM GMT
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05:41 PM GMT
‘Yellow made it tough’, says Townsend
Discussing the accidents to his gamers, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has informed BBC Sport:“Finn [Russell is] fine. He actually passed his HIA but our staff sensed he wasn’t totally aware of what was going on, so we made the call to not put him back on.
“Darcy [Graham] is at hospital now, I’ve not had an update. I think everything was OK with his neck but they were checking out concussion.
On the players who came in their place, he said: “Both Stafford McDowall and Jamie Dobie did really well, and Tom Jordan going to 10 did well too.
Discussing how the game went, he said: “When they (Ireland) 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.”
05:35 PM GMT
‘A sore loss’, says Scottish skipper
Discussing the lack of Finn Russell and Darcy Graham within the first half, Scottish captain Rory Darge has informed BBC: “Obviously it’s tough to deal with. Two very important players going down.
“Hopefully they’re all right. I think they’re both okay but I’m not sure.”
On the distinction between the 2 sides, he mentioned: “The boys hung in there but we’re obviously disappointed with the result in the end.
“The difference was probably their clinicalness in the finish zone. We had a few opportunities, showing a little bit, but not taking them or converting them into scores.”
On preparations for England subsequent up, Darge mentioned: “Initially with the week off, get some time away. That’s a sore loss we’ve to take on the chin.
“But by the time we come back into camp, make sure that we’re ready to go.”
05:29 PM GMT
‘Ireland’s rugby IQ is wonderful’, says Barclay
Former Scotland captain John Barclay has mentioned on BBC: “Ireland are one of the most detailed orientated and cohesive sides. It is also the decision-making and work off the ball.
“The level of detail and rugby IQ in that team is amazing.”
05:27 PM GMT
WATCH: Van der Merwe’s spectacular end
05:22 PM GMT
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05:20 PM GMT
Skipper glad with win
Speaking to BBC, Ireland captain Caelan Doris mentioned: “There is a feeling of satisfaction after that one.
“We spoke about starting fast as Scotland are a dangerous team. We did that well.
“The competition within the squad is great and it continually pushes the standard up in training.”
05:19 PM GMT
‘It felt like a 40-point victory’, says O’Gara
Former Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara has mentioned on BBC: “If you’re looking for a formula of how to go away and win in the Six Nations I think you should study that.
“It was ruthless from minute one. Total domination. Scotland didn’t get any in. Normally in a Test match the lead changes hands a couple of times and it’s in the balance.
“Today the biggest surprise is that it finished 32-18. It felt like a 40-point victory and maybe if Ireland need to, I think they’ve another couple of gears to go.”
05:17 PM GMT
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05:17 PM GMT
WATCH: Lowe strive stifles Scottish comeback
05:15 PM GMT
‘Wasn’t excellent’ says Prendergast
Ireland fly-half Sam Prendergast, who has been given the participant of the match award, has mentioned: “It was an unbelievable game and a savage atmosphere. The anthems were pretty special.
“I thought we started unbelievably in the game. We put so much pressure on. We did really well in the second half when they got their purple patch to come back.
“It wasn’t perfect from us but it was better than last week and we’ll keep trying to get better week on week.”
05:14 PM GMT
Where this leaves us
Ireland go 4 factors clear on the prime of the standings as the one aspect to have gained each of their video games. They have additionally picked up a profitable bonus level in every of their victories.
France and England are stage on six factors following the dramatic win for Steve Borthwick’s males final evening, one level away from Scotland who stay in fourth.
Italy path the Scots by only a level after their win over Wales on Saturday whereas Warren Gatland’s males are on the foot of the desk, however are on one level having picked up a shedding bonus level.
05:12 PM GMT
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05:08 PM GMT
‘Scotland way off it’, says Barclay
Former Scotland captain John Barclay has mentioned on BBC: “Scotland had to be somewhere near their best and they were way off it.
“Scotland were poor and at the breakdown they were dominated. Ireland were also very good and clinical.”
05:04 PM GMT
Brutal for Scotland
Well that was brutal. Apart from a spell both aspect of the break once they scored 11 unanswered factors, Scotland barely threw a punch (the very good Blair Kinghorn aside).
The followers close to me are shuffling away with heads bowed. The Darcy Graham-Finn Russell first-half incident was unlucky however that doesn’t excuse Scotland, who would have hoped for a lot extra.
05:03 PM GMT
Full time: Rot goes on for the Scots
Ireland go prime of the standings with an eleventh successive win over Scotland as they take a step nearer to a 3rd Six Nations title on the spin.
The holders had been utterly dominant and the scoreline flatters Scotland actually, it may and may have been an even bigger deficit.
05:00 PM GMT
Full time: Scotland 18 Ireland 32
Ireland earn the scrum within the Scottish half and so they might have the final chuckle right here as Sam Prendergast is awarded the participant of the match award.
Scotland win it again however a dealing with error from Dobie offers Ireland the scrum and that can be that. No, they resolve to not kick it out with the clock within the pink and go attempting to find extra.
Henshaw goes for the grubber kick via however it runs past the try-line and that does carry the sport to an finish.
04:55 PM GMT
TRY! White barges over for Scotland
Scotland 18 Ireland 32 (White) Scotland do make the line-out pay! They maul very well to go inside a few metres earlier than scrum-half White barges over.
Kinghorn converts from underneath the posts and they’re now inside two transformed tries with 4 minutes to go. Too little too late? Probably.
04:53 PM GMT
75 minutes: Scotland 11 Ireland 32
Ireland are penalised at their very own scrum and Scotland take the free-kick rapidly contained in the Irish 22. After six phases they’ve been pressured again 10 metres again.
They earn the penalty benefit although with Sheehan the one penalised. Van der Flier forces the turnover however play is introduced again and the hosts kick for contact down their proper.
They have the line-out 5 metres out, can they make it pay?
04:48 PM GMT
Penalty! Prendergast takes Ireland 21 clear
Scotland 11 Ireland 32 (Prendergast) Scotland have the scrum, simply inside their very own half, however Hurd is penalised for rolling his shoulder and Ireland have the penalty.
Prendergast goes to kick for the posts from a good distance out and it’s an outstanding strike that takes his workforce 21 factors clear.
04:45 PM GMT
68 minutes: Scotland 11 Ireland 29
Ireland drive the dealing with error from Scotland following the line-out however because the ball goes free, Porter spills it and the house aspect have the scrum. The strain from Ireland has simply been relentless although.
Crowley, who has come on for Nash, has a beautiful first contribution as he plucks a excessive kick from the air underneath strain from the Scottish chasers.
04:42 PM GMT
65 minutes: Scotland 11 Ireland 29
Ireland are very good within the breakdown to drive the foul however it’s a uncommon mistake from the holders with their line-out not coming in straight.
They quickly have the scrum at midway although and Prendergast produces a beautiful kick that finds contact deep within the Scottish 22. Not a 50-22 however nonetheless an important knock from the fly-half.
04:38 PM GMT
TRY! Conan extends the guests’ lead
Scotland 11 Ireland 29 (Conan) The assault was scrappy however Gibson-Park then opts for the field and Keenan does fantastically to beat Kinghorn within the contest slightly below the posts.
Ireland have the penalty benefit because the ball goes free however they don’t want it as they reclaim possession and shift the ball to the precise to substitute Conan who expenses over the road.
Prendergast misses the conversion, surprisingly.
04:35 PM GMT
59 minutes: Scotland 11 Ireland 24
Ireland are sad as they offer away the foul shortly after the restart, however after a number of attacking phases from the hosts, Bealham forces the Scottish foul for not releasing within the breakdown.
It’s all a bit untidy as Ireland come ahead with the ball going free a few instances.
04:32 PM GMT
TRY! Lowe responds for the guests
Scotland 11 Ireland 24 (Lowe) Ireland shift the ball out to the precise following the scrum earlier than coming again out to the left with some actually slick passing.
Lowe picks it up, 10 metres contained in the left flank, and steps previous Kinghorn with some nice footwork earlier than charging over the road. The full-back needed to do higher although within the sort out.
Prendergast, who performed a beautiful go in that transfer, converts to take Ireland 13 clear.
04:29 PM GMT
48 minutes: Scotland 11 Ireland 17
Scotland knock the ball on and Ireland have the scrum in a promising place contained in the hosts’ half. They win the free-kick within the scrum and Gibson-Park takes it rapidly however Scotland drive the turnover.
Ireland win it again although and threaten down the left. The ball is moved swiftly on to Gibson-Park and he goes for the small kick and chase over Kinghorn however the full-back has the tempo to show and win the race.
Gibson-Park manages to carry him down although and Ireland have the scrum 5 metres out.
04:26 PM GMT
Penalty! Scotland chip away at deficit
Scotland 11 Ireland 17 (Kinghorn) Scotland have the scrum although, simply over 5 metres out. Can they make it depend? The ball is labored out to Dobie on the precise and he makes the dart for the road as he steps inside however he can’t fairly cross.
The play is introduced again although for an earlier foul by Ireland and Scotland resolve to kick from underneath the posts. Kinghorn converts and the hosts proceed to chip away at that lead just a bit bit extra.
04:23 PM GMT
48 minutes: Scotland 8 Ireland 17
Scotland work it fantastically out to their left and Jones bursts via the Irish defence earlier than popping it off to Kinghorn to the skin of him.
The full-back stretches his legs and chooses to simply dummy the go to Van der Merwe as he reaches the 22 earlier than being tackled to the bottom.
Henshaw is then penalised for a knock-on within the sort out. There is a TMO examine for whether or not it was intentional however the officers rule that it wasn’t. Murrayfield disagrees.
04:19 PM GMT
45 minutes: Scotland 8 Ireland 17
Scotland come out on prime following the Irish line-out and there’s a sense they’ve the momentum at first of this second interval.
Gibson-Park and Prendergast are then sloppy with their dealing with and the noise inside Murrayfield goes up one other stage.
04:16 PM GMT
Penalty! Kinghorn reduces deficit
Scotland 8 Ireland 17 (Kinghorn) Scotland break into the Irish 22 and win the penalty benefit in entrance of the posts with Ireland judged to haven’t rolled away within the breakdown.
The ball is spilt as Scotland work it out to left flank however it’s introduced again and they’ll kick for the posts. Kinghorn makes no mistake from a central place.
04:14 PM GMT
41 minutes: Scotland 5 Ireland 17
We are again underway at Murrayfield with Scotland kicking issues of going from left to proper. Can they mount an unlikely comeback on this second interval?
04:13 PM GMT
Half-time evaluation
That van der Merwe strive on the stroke of half time has given Scotland a lifeline however it appears like an enormous ask to show this round.
It was a depressing first half for the hosts. One factor you can not do is enable this Ireland workforce an enormous headstart however the guests had been instantly allowed to settle right into a rhythm.
Prendergast is already trying much more assured than he did final weekend towards England. Ireland have scored two and will have had a hatful extra.
Scotland have additionally misplaced Darcy Graham and Finn Russell – two potential matchwinners – to damage.
Can Scotland construct on that van der Merwe strive? Their factors common throughout their 10 successive defeats to Ireland during the last seven years is simply 11.5 so 17 already appears like lots and Ireland are unlikely to cease there.
They nonetheless have weapons like Dan Sheehan and Jack Conan to carry on from the bench.
04:10 PM GMT
WATCH: Scotland get on the board
04:08 PM GMT
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04:07 PM GMT
‘Everything difficult for Scotland’, says Johnson
Speaking on BBC, former England captain Martin Johnson has mentioned: “Everything has been difficult for Scotland. Kicking, holding onto the ball and winning their own line-out. That is just Ireland.
“I thought they might be a bit flat after a big win last week, but it has been anything but. They steamrolled Scotland in the early stages.”
04:00 PM GMT
Half-time: Scotland 5 Ireland 17
That strive was the final motion of the half and it was a vital second for Scotland to get themselves on the board following a extremely dominant half from the guests.
03:59 PM GMT
TRY! Van der Merwe will get one again for Scotland
Scotland 5 Ireland 17 (Van der Merwe) Scotland go to inside six or seven metres however Ireland get the choice within the breakdown have the scrum.
Ireland although, nonetheless only a few metres from their very own line, give away the penalty within the breakdown and the hosts take it rapidly.
They put collectively a swift transfer to work the ball out to Van der Merwe on the left flank. With the tackles coming in, he leaps for the road and nearly touches the ball down together with his legs in contact however, crucially, within the air.
Kinghorn hooks broad although with the tried conversion.
03:54 PM GMT
Huge job for Scotland now
Mountain to climb for Scotland now. The man in entrance of me has simply gone for a re-up of Tennent’s lager. Could be an extended afternoon.
03:54 PM GMT
38 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 17
Henshaw is penalised for being in an offside place within the breakdown however after kicking into contact, Scotland fail to threaten.
Moments later although and Doris is penalised for not rolling manner within the breakdown and Scotland as soon as once more choose to kick for contact.
The Irish captain was not proud of that call, suggesting the Scottish gamers had purchased the choice.
03:51 PM GMT
34 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 17
There is affirmation that Russell has failed his HIA so he is not going to be returning to the sector of play this afternoon following his collision with team-mate Graham, who has been taken off on a stretcher right here with a head brace on.
03:49 PM GMT
TRY! Captain Doris offers Ireland management
Scotland 0 Ireland 17 (Doris) As Ireland work it from proper to left following the line-out, the transfer breaks down with Prendergast however it’s judged to have been a knock-on within the sort out and Ireland have the scrum contained in the Scottish 22.
As the scrum strikes spherical, Ireland have the penalty benefit. But they don’t want it as they work the ball out to the left flank earlier than popping it again inside to Doris who expenses over for his or her second strive of the day.
Prendergast converts with a stunning strike and Ireland have a 17-point lead. Thoroughly deserved.
03:44 PM GMT
29 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 10
It’s Porter this time who expenses down the Scottish kick and as soon as once more it pings out into contact with Scotland now having a line-out simply in entrance of their very own line.
Their kicked clearance solely finds contact simply outdoors their 22 and Ireland have the attacking line-out. Scotland are actually struggling to get out of their very own half.
03:43 PM GMT
28 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 10
O’Mahoney does nicely to drive the turnover earlier than Prendergast sends a kick manner, manner down the pitch.
Jordan finally retrieves the bouncing ball inside his 22 however his kick is charged down by Nash and Scotland now have the line-out on their 22.
Great work from the guests.
03:41 PM GMT
27 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 10
Kinghorn does fantastically to take Ireland’s lengthy kick underneath strain from Nash. Murrayfield aren’t comfortable as Kinghorn goes down however it was only a good contest between the 2 gamers.
Aki is penalised moments later for an infringement off the ball and Scotland can discover contact within the Irish half. Can they penetrate the 22?
03:38 PM GMT
Penalty! Prendergast extends Ireland’s benefit
Scotland 0 Ireland 10 (Prendergast) Ireland win the penalty benefit within the breakdown quickly after the sport restarts. They work the ball out to Nash, who’s pressured again by Scotland, however play is introduced again for the penalty.
The guests choose to kick for the posts this time to get the scoreboard transferring and Prendergast makes it two from two from the tee.
Replays present Graham gave a thumbs up as he made manner, which, once more, is an efficient signal. Van der Merwe is again on following his yellow card.
03:35 PM GMT
22 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 7
Graham can be taken off on a stretcher right here with a head brace on however he has reportedly been chatting with the medical workers which is an efficient signal. Murrayfield offers the winger a heat spherical of applause as he makes manner.
03:32 PM GMT
Home followers need extra
Some levity offered by a fan in entrance of the press field who has simply roared. “Come on Scotland, do you know how much we paid for these tickets?”
03:31 PM GMT
22 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 7
Russell is making his manner off the sector for a HIA however Graham continues to be on the ground and seems to be in additional discomfort.
There can be fairly a prolonged break in play right here.
03:30 PM GMT
Quiet at Murrayfield
Crowd very quiet at Murrayfield. This was not the blood and thunder begin they had been hoping for. The cheers have primarily been reserved for defensive wins – Darcy Graham’s thunderous sort out on Robbie Henshaw, Scotland twice holding Ireland up over the road and so on
03:29 PM GMT
22 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 7
Ireland work the ball out to the left and Lowe reveals nice tempo and power to carry off a problem and burst down the flank however Gibson-Parker spills the fizzed go inside by the winger.
Russell and Graham are each down after colliding in that newest transfer and they’ll each require some consideration right here.
03:28 PM GMT
21 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 7
Prendergast does fantastically to cost down Kinghorn’s kick with Scotland inside their very own 22. The ball pinballs round however Scotland do exactly supervisor to scramble it away.
Ireland have the penalty although however as soon as once more they’re held up as they attain the road. They can be eager to capitalise on this early strain.
03:26 PM GMT
19 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 7
Kinghorn threatens down Scotland’s left because the hosts attain the 22 however Ireland can flip it over and Keenan thumps clear.
The full-back does excellently a second later as he takes the lengthy kick simply outdoors the 22, that means he can’t name the mark. But he steps his man earlier than clearing into the Scottish 22 on his weaker foot.
Russell can solely discover contact.
03:23 PM GMT
17 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 7
Ireland once more choose to kick for the nook, down their proper this time. As they push for the road they’re held up by Scotland who survive this Irish assault.
As Ireland come again, Scotland are capable of win the penalty within the breakdown via Graham and Russell can discover contact within the Irish half.
03:21 PM GMT
Yellow card! Van der Merwe penalised
Scotland 0 Ireland 7 It’s Kinghorn who makes the dealing with error however this time it could possibly be extra damaging for the hosts as Nash kicks the ball in direction of the try-line.
The ball nearly stays in play and the winger wins the race earlier than nudging it over the road with one other kick however he’s then pushed to the ground by Van der Merwe and there’s a TMO examine for this one.
The Scottish winger sees yellow and it’s a penalty for Ireland. However, it’s not a penalty strive with the referee deeming Nash in all probability wouldn’t have reached it. Ireland aren’t too proud of that one.
03:16 PM GMT
13 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 7
Ireland kick into contact simply past midway and regardless of momentarily shedding out, they’re rapidly attacking down that left-hand aspect as soon as once more following a dealing with error from Russell.
Scotland do address this assault although and may clear into contact round midway. There is a quick pause in play with White receiving some remedy.
03:13 PM GMT
12 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 7
Ireland knock-on from the restart however Scotland are penalised for a pushing a participant into Keenan, who was competing for the ball.
Beirne then makes manner for a head damage evaluation (HIA). Ireland will actually hope that’s nothing too critical.
03:10 PM GMT
TRY! Nash offers Ireland an early lead
Scotland 0 Ireland 7 (Nash) Ireland choose to kick for the nook slightly than taking an early three factors. Aki spills it however Ireland as soon as once more have the penalty benefit with Scotland penalised for collapsing the maul.
They kick for the nook as soon as once more and Ireland rapidly have one other benefit as they get to inside a metre of the road following the line-out.
The guests work it to the precise and Prendergast performs an enormous go out to Nash on the precise flank and the winger has acres to cross within the nook.
Prendergast then converts to offer Ireland a seven-point lead.
03:06 PM GMT
6 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 0
Henshaw drives fantastically following the scrum as he brushes apart a few challenges and carries his aspect into the Scottish 22.
After numerous attacking phases, the skin centre then takes his workforce to inside a few metres of the road.
The assault breaks down as Ireland work it out to their proper however play is introduced again for a earlier offside by the house aspect.
03:04 PM GMT
4 minutes: Scotland 0 Ireland 0
Kinghorn practically pulls off an outstanding kick and chase however he fails to pick-out Graham to his outdoors after gathering the ball in to his grasp.
Prendergast’s crossfield kick is intercepted by Van der Merwe however the play is introduced again for a knock-on by Kinghorn and Ireland have the scrum on midway.
03:02 PM GMT
Magnificent ovation for Hoy
Magnificent ovation for Sir Chris Hoy. What a legend that man is. Nicest bloke in sport.
03:01 PM GMT
1 min: Scotland 0 Ireland 0
We are underway at Murrayfield with Sam Prendergast and Ireland kicking issues off going from left to proper.
This must be a wonderful match-up this afternoon.
03:00 PM GMT
Chris Hoy delivers match ball
A particular second as a number of Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy brings the match ball onto the sector to a beautiful ovation from the Murrayfield Crowd.
02:58 PM GMT
Kick-off practically right here
It’s now Scotland’s flip to offer a beautiful rendition of their nationwide anthem with the sounds of a bag pipe from excessive up, upon one of many stands. Kick-off is simply moments away.
02:57 PM GMT
Plenty of speaking factors this afternoon
So many attention-grabbing speaking factors right this moment. Fascinated to see how Sam Prendergast goes after a patchy efficiency in Dublin final weekend. Ireland clearly imagine he’s the actual deal. His choice has Andy Farrell’s fingerprints throughout it and it feels as if it will take a serious wobble to carry Jack Crowley again in at 10. Still solely 21, although, and that is his first away sport within the 6N. Scotland will goal him, as England did.
Ireland will undoubtedly begin as favourites however the feeling persists that the boys in inexperienced will not be fairly the place they had been a few years in the past, and Farrell’s absence for this event might but show vital.
If Scotland can get parity up entrance, disrupt Ireland’s lineout (one thing England palpably didn’t do), rattle Prendergast, defend like lions, and take their probabilities, they may finish their jinx. If.
02:55 PM GMT
Players out on the pitch
The gamers have made their manner out of the tunnel to an electrical ambiance at Murrayfield this afternoon. Up first is the nationwide anthem of Ireland.
Kick-off is now simply 5 minutes away!
02:53 PM GMT
Farrell watching on
The digital camera has picked out Andy Farrell sitting within the crowd this afternoon slightly than within the dugout, with the Ireland boss now on Lions responsibility. Will his absence be extra obvious this week than it was final day out?
02:50 PM GMT
Exclusive: Hastings on how rugby has helped with lack of spouse
Scotland’s former participant Scott Hastings has mentioned the significance of rugby and the assist it has offered him in serving to with the lack of his spouse.
“What is great is this magic rugby community that I am part of, which pulls together. I have some great friends in the media and broadcast arena,” he mentioned.
“The fact that I am still involved in the game gives me a big thrill. I am passionate about the game.
“It gave me so many skills and opportunities to meet friends throughout the world, and those friends are there every single day for me.”
Take a have a look at Telegraph Sport’s unique interview with the previous Scotland nice here.
02:46 PM GMT
Doris on file over Scotland
Discussing Ireland’s spectacular file over Scotland, the Irish captain Calean Doris mentioned on Saturday.“I don’t think there’s any room for that [complacency], given the respect we have for them.
“You hear that outside noise about our record against them, but it hasn’t been talked about in here and we’ve been preparing for a proper Test match.
“We’ve seen what they’ve been about over the last number of years, most recently last weekend. Especially at home there’s that extra element.
“Their attack is very dangerous,” added Doris.
“They attack with quite a bit of width and flair. Their counter-attack, with the wings and back three in general.
“You’re seeing some of the tries Duhan van der Merwe has scored, Darcy Graham as well is a massive threat and Blair Kinghorn, too. We’ll have our hands full.”
02:43 PM GMT
Jordan a ‘brilliant player’, says Jones
Scotland’s Huw Jones is assured fellow centre and Glasgow team-mate Tom Jordan will excel on his first Test begin.
He informed BBC Sport:“We’ve had a massive week of prep for this one. We know it’s going to be a huge challenge, we’re keen to get going.
“TJ is a brilliant player. We all know at Glasgow what he can do, the aggression he brings. I’m looking forward to playing with him today.
“We need to be at our absolute best. We know the challenges they bring.”
02:41 PM GMT
Tuipulotu absence may ‘tip game in Ireland’s favour’, says McCloskey
Scotland’s captain Sione Tuipulotu has been dominated out of this yr’s Six Nations after struggling a pectoral muscle damage.
Ireland’s Stuart McCloskey, who can also be lacking out this afternoon via a hamstring damage, has mentioned the absence of the Scottish skipper may “tip the game in our favour”.
“I think we’ve had, touch wood, the number over Scotland over the last few years and I think [Sione] Tuipulotu being out for Scotland as well is going to be massive,” mentioned McCloskey.
“So that I think hopefully tips it in our favour.”
He added: “He’s probably the form 12 in Europe, if not the world, over the last six months or so.
“Losing a guy like that, a guy that a lot of their shape goes around as well, I think he takes a lot of pressure off Finn Russell.
“Losing a guy like that is always going to affect your team, especially when he’s such a fulcrum for what they do in attack.”
02:38 PM GMT
Townsend performs down needle
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has performed down any needle that exists between the 2 groups this week.
“Teams want to build up something to provide extra motivation, so maybe it’s more on the Irish side or the Irish media side that there’s this rivalry or needle to give them extra motivation on why they want to win again,” Townsend mentioned.
“Obviously they’ve won this fixture a number of times but we say this every game, we respect Ireland a lot, admire what they’ve done over the last few years, but it doesn’t stand out as a needle game for us.”
02:36 PM GMT
Head to go
The Irish have gained 10 successive Test matches towards Scotland.
Their final defeat towards the Scots got here at Murrayfield within the Six Nations in 2017.
The Scots have gained 4 of their 25 matches towards Ireland within the Six Nations, shedding 21.
02:33 PM GMT
The scene at Murrayfield
02:30 PM GMT
‘Better performance needed’, says Easterby
Interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby: “We’re always continually trying to evolve, as are Scotland and they showed in the autumn that they can mix it with the best.
“It’s been spoken about outside the camp but we’re just trying to focus on getting our own game in order and delivering a better performance than we did against England because that’s what it’ll take to beat Scotland in Murrayfield.”
02:26 PM GMT
Quite the welcome for the guests
02:22 PM GMT
Townsend on shedding run towards Ireland
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has mentioned: “It’s hard to break the cycle but once you’ve broken it, it just becomes another match.
“A lot of it is about what we would do differently, but we also understand that Ireland have been a top team now for a while and it’s harder to break that cycle when the team you’re playing against has been that good and has that experience.”
02:17 PM GMT
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02:14 PM GMT
Scotland win would blow championship broad open
After a minor mishap with my accreditation (seems they weren’t anticipating me however I’ve managed to persuade them I’m a legit journalist) I’ve made it into Murrayfield.
Really trying ahead to this one. England’s win over France yesterday has put the cat amongst the pigeons. A Scotland win right this moment would blow the championship broad open. Grey and dreary right here. But must be some fireworks later.
02:11 PM GMT
As issues stand
France and England prepared the ground on six factors, having triumphed in certainly one of their two matches thus far and selecting up a bonus level in every.
Scotland and Ireland are stage on 5 factors heading into this one due to their bonus level wins on the primary weekend of motion.
Italy path by only a level after their win over Wales on Saturday whereas Warren Gatland’s males are on the foot of the desk, however are on one level having picked up a shedding bonus level.
02:05 PM GMT
So far this weekend
Wales fell to a 14th successive defeat as they had been crushed 22-15 by Italy in Rome on Saturday, taking them one step nearer to back-to-back Wooden Spoons.
In Saturday’s later kick-off, England scored a 79th-minute attempt to beat France 26-25 in dramatic style and preserve their hopes of a primary Six Nations title since 2020 alive.
02:01 PM GMT
Winning begins
Scotland survived an Italy comeback of their opening Six Nations match final weekend, as Huw Jones scored a hat-trick of tries to offer the hosts a bonus-point 31-19 win at Murrayfield.
Meanwhile, Ireland scored three tries in a dominant second-half show as they began their bid for an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title with a 27-22 bonus-point victory over England in Dublin.
01:57 PM GMT
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01:52 PM GMT
Those groups in full
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.
01:47 PM GMT
Holders make three modifications
Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby has additionally made three modifications to the aspect which began within the win over England final weekend as Nash, Henshaw and O’Mahoney are available in for Hansen, who’s out with a hamstring damage, Ringrose and Baird.
ℹ️ Mack Hansen has been withdrawn from Sunday’s Match Day Squad as a precaution because of hamstring tightness.
Calvin Nash will take his place on the precise wing and can make his ninth Ireland look.#TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/AxCr9JKWLT
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 8, 2025
01:42 PM GMT
Three modifications for Scotland
There are three modifications to the Scotland aspect which began within the victory over Italy as head coach Gregor Townsend brings in Jordan, making his first Six Nations begin, Sutherland and Dempsey.
01:37 PM GMT
Preview: Can Scots cease the rot towards holders?
Good afternoon and welcome to stay protection of the Six Nations as Scotland host Ireland at Murrayfield, with Gregor Townsend’s aspect seeking to finish a 10-match shedding streak towards the holders. Ireland, who’re bidding for an unprecedented third successive title, had been final crushed by Scotland within the 2017 Six Nations and have gained 21 of the 25 conferences between the international locations within the competitors.
Both sides bought off to profitable begins final weekend as Scotland survived a late Italian comeback to safe a bonus level victory at Murrayfield whereas Ireland produced a dominant second-half show over England in Dublin to additionally earn themselves a bonus level triumph as they began their title defence.
The holders had been with out their head coach Andy Farrell, who’s on British and Irish Lions responsibility, however they appeared unaffected by his absence as they registered a thirteenth win from their final 14 Six Nations ties underneath the steering of interim boss Simon Easterby. The hosts this afternoon even have a run of outcomes to boast of although, having gained eight of their 9 Tests since being crushed by Ireland within the 2024 championship.
They had been, nonetheless, dealt an enormous blow forward of the event with their captain Sione Tuipulotu being among the many many dominated out via damage. Since the 27-year-old’s debut in 2022, Townsend’s males have gained simply two Six Nations video games with out him within the aspect, with each victories coming towards Italy.
With England defeating the French in dramatic style on Saturday, the 2 sides know that victory this afternoon can be sufficient to see them go to the highest of the standings, no less than three factors away from their challengers.
