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 0-3 Ireland, 14 minutes
Scotland fancy a swift reply, testing Ireland’s inside defence with a series of transfers at the line. Finn Russell dummies and goes alone, threatening to free the arms but unable to connect with a teammate.
Scotland 0-3 Ireland, 13 minutes
Caelan Doris hasn’t quite recovered from that early injury issue - he trudges off after Sexton knocks through the three.
On comes Jack Conan, who maybe hasn’t quite been at his best this year but was solid enough in Rome and still offers plenty in that number eight berth.
PENALTY! Scotland 0-3 IRELAND (Johnny Sexton penalty, 13 minutes)
Popped through with little wasted energy from the Ireland fly half. The visitors take the first lead.
Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 11 minutes
On Ireland go, stressing and straining Scottish sinews with varied attacking play. Peter O’Mahony drops to a knee but still manages to make metres in the carry.
Flung wide by Johnny Sexton to Mack Hansen...smothered into touch. Strong work from Duhan van der Merwe, holding his feet and nerve as Hansen flashed his feet.
Back for a pair of penalties - one is right in front of the posts and Johnny Sexton will get the scoring underway.
Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 10 minutes
Ireland are just starting to exert their authority, though. Another kick from Sexton, this time lower, threaded in between the front defensive line to also pierce the backfield. Stuart Hogg is transported into touch; Ireland’s five-metre lineout.
Ireland’s maul is eventually halted two metres short, and they have an advantage too as Conor Murray positions his forward to continue the attacking movement...
Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 9 minutes
Another lineout error from Scotland - that is becoming a real worry.
Johnny Sexton kicks turnover possesion high into the swirling Murrayfield air. Down it comes with snow on it and Kyle Steyn claims very, very neatly in the shadow of his own uprights.
Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 8 minutes
Caelan Doris is down, too - the Ireland number eight has his hip and glute prodded at by a medic, with a grimace on Doris’ face revealing the pain it is causing. He gets a helping hand off the floor, and will continue for now at least, rejoining his teammates in the defensive Irish lineout near halfway.
Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 7 minutes
Turner does the job properly this time as Scotland at last get their set-piece right. They win a penalty as Ireland busy a breakdown, too.
But that is a blow for the hosts: Richie Gray has been forced off already with Scott Cummings into action far earlier than he’d have anticipated.
No try! Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 6 minutes
A real let off for Scotland! It’s a horrible moment for George Turner, throwing curiously swiftly with few of his teammates set. Caelan Doris leaps and gathers, and soon after his mates muscle over...
But Turner had used a different ball to take the throw quickly, meaning anything thereafter is null and void. He’ll get another go at finding a teammate in a more considered manner.
Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 5 minutes
Duelling chants from the two sets of supporters inside Murrayfield as Ireland work the phases. Bundee Aki is well held and James Lowe, too, forcing Johnny Sexton to play for territory.
He finds the corner - and Scotland throw the lineout straight into Irish hands at the tail!
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