Ireland vs Scotland LIVE: Result and latest reaction from Autumn Nations Cup

Follow the latest updates from the third-place play-off at the Aviva Stadium

Ireland celebrate after Keith Earls score his second try of the match against Scotland (PA)

Follow the latest updates as Ireland take on Scotland in the battle to claim third in the Autumn Nations Cup as Finals Weekend continues.

After Georgia and Fiji raised the curtain on today’s action, it’s the turn of the two group runners-up to take centre stage in the third-place play-off. It’s of course not the game that either wanted to be in, with Ireland coming unstuck against England earlier in the tournament while Scotland lost their decider to the French, but both sides have signalled their intent to end the year on a high with the Six Nations just around the corner.

Ireland will be led by returning captain Johnny Sexton who has recovered from a hamstring strain suffered in the opening game against Wales, while Scotland turn to debutant fly-half Jaco van der Welt in the hope of finding a replacement for injured duo Finn Russell and Adam Hastings. Follow the live updates below.

Ireland vs Scotland key points

• Ireland 31-16 Scotland
• Earls scores opening try of the match
• Scotland reduced to 14 men after Duncan Taylor sin-binned
• Healy adds second early in the second half
• Earls adds his second to assert commanding lead
• Scotland respond through Van der Merwe’s solo effort

[5 December 2020 15:03 · Jack de Menezes]

38 mins: Ireland 11-9 Scotland

TRY FOR IRELAND!

[5 December 2020 15:02 · Jack de Menezes]

38 mins: Ireland 6-9 Scotland

Henderon needs lengthy treatment as he has his right knee wrapped, but eventually the lineout takes place and Herring finds Ryan. Scotland come through the maul well but the ball is presented and Ireland have another penalty advantage, this time for offside. They chip over in an attempt to create something for nothing… and Earls thinks he has scored this!

W go to the TMO…

[5 December 2020 14:59 · Jack de Menezes]

36 mins: Ireland 6-9 Scotland

Ireland try a set-move off the scrum with Henshaw passing inside to Sexton and Stockdale on the wraparound. They have a penalty advantage for Scotland coming in at the side, and when their attack goes nowhere they come back for the penalty just six metres out from the Scotland line. With a man advantage, Sexton turns down the shot at goal and goes to the corner, although both O’Mahony and Henderson are down and receiving treatment. 

[5 December 2020 14:56 · Jack de Menezes]

35 mins: Ireland 6-9 Scotland

Ireland are on the assault again, and they go through the phases to work into the 22 until Ritchie’s attempted turnover is knocked forwards. From nowhere, Ireland have really grown into this match and are wrestling control from the Scots.

[5 December 2020 14:53 · Jack de Menezes]

31 mins: Ireland 6-9 Scotland

Sexton’s effort is spot-on and the lead is cut to three. A big 10 minutes coming up for Scotland now.

[5 December 2020 14:52 · Jack de Menezes]

30 mins: Ireland 3-9 Scotland

Ireland have a penalty advantage and they look to break from left to right, with O’Mahony charging his way over Price before he is stopped. They come back left, but Aki’s attempted pass to Henshaw is knocked down by Taylor in the tackle and after a TMO review, Carley elects it’s deliberate and send him to the sin-bin.

Sexton will go for goal from bang in front of the posts with Scotland down to 14 for the final 10 minutes of the half.

[5 December 2020 14:49 · Jack de Menezes]

29 mins: Ireland 3-9 Scotland

What a lovely kick that is down the touchline from Van der Walt as he finds touch deep inside the Irish 22 with a pinpoint effort, which draws a roar of approval from his teammates. Can they pin the Irish back here and build the pressure?

No they can’t, as Ireland go long over the lineout to Aki, who is taken in the air as he catches it. That was a bit cheeky really, as Aki appeared to jump as he took the ball knowing Scotland then couldn’t touch him despite already being committed to stopping his run.

[5 December 2020 14:45 · Jack de Menezes]

27 mins: Ireland 3-9 Scotland

He makes no mistake from in front of the uprights and the six-point lead is restored.

[5 December 2020 14:45 · Jack de Menezes]

25 mins: Ireland 3-6 Scotland

It’s becoming a bit of a breakdown penalty fest as Scotland work their way into the Irish 22 and win another penalty for Henderson not rolling away, allowing Van der Walt his fourth effort at goal of the day.

[5 December 2020 14:42 · Jack de Menezes]

23 mins: Ireland 3-6 Scotland

Sexton takes his time lining up this one, but this time it splits the uprights and Ireland are on the board.