Slips at key moments proved costly with Andy Farrell’s team able to easily maintain a stranglehold on this fixture
There were some Ireland fans who even said they would not begrudge Scotland victory, the triple crown, and, potentially, a first Six Nations title. There was a sense Gregor Townsend’s side had earned their day in the sun, somehow, especially after the glorious fourth-round triumph against France. And this Ireland team have certainly had their share of vitamin D against Scotland.
Ireland’s players, it soon became clear, did not see it that way. They were visibly keen to remind Scotland that no one is owed anything in elite sport. This was meant to be a transitional season for them, but the quality of this performance penned a depressingly familiar script from a Scottish perspective.
Ireland’s defensive strategy and shape was outstanding throughout, not to mention their work-rate, and in no aspect of the contest did the visitors, hard as they tried, gain the ascendancy.
Scotland gave it every ounce of effort, and played some lovely rugby on the way: but leaving Ireland’s excellence aside, Scotland were repeatedly – and all too familiarly – guilty of inaccuracy at key moments.
