Joe Schmidt launched his first Six Nations campaign with Ireland against the Scots this afternoon in Dublin. Having won one from three in the November Tests, the Kiwi would have felt that this home clash against Scotland was a superb chance to rack up his second victory as national coach, as proved the case.
Scotland were not underestimated though, with their pack offering strong competition in the tight. The weather conditions in Dublin were ideal for an open, high-tempo encounter as Brian O’Driscoll became our most capped player of all time.
As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the match. E-mail murray@thescore.ie, tweet @thescore_ie, post a message to our Facebook wall, or leave a comment below.
You may need to refresh the page for YouTube videos and other elements to display correctly.
Ireland 28 – 6 Scotland
Good afternoon and welcome along to our liveblog of Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Scotland at the Aviva Stadium. There is much excitement about what can be achieved under the coaching of Joe Schmidt, and conditions are perfect here for ambitious, attacking rugby.
We start with a bombshell though, as Paul O’Connell has been ruled out of proceedings in Dublin with a chest infection. Dan Tuohy comes into the starting team, with Iain Henderson promoted to the bench. How will that affect that game?
O’Connell’s illness means Jamie Heaslip will captain the team. It’s an obvious blow for Ireland, but how much will it alter their approach? Well, it means Ireland are without a superb defender, turnover specialist and a strong line-out option.
However, Tuohy has been in excellent form recently and will feel that he is ready to step up to the mark. His aggression is never anything less than rabid, so expect him to lead the fight up front.
With that late change to Ireland’s XV, here are the starting teams and replacements for this clash:
Ireland: R Kearney, A Trimble , B O’Driscoll, L Marshall, D Kearney; J Sexton, C Murray: C Healy, R Best, M Ross; D Toner, D Tuohy, P O’Mahony, C Henry, J Heaslip (Capt.).
Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, M Moore, I Henderson, T O’Donnell, I Boss, P Jackson, F McFadden.
Scotland: S Hogg, S Maitland, A Dunbar, D Taylor, S Lamont; D Weir, G Laidlaw: R Grant, R Ford, M Low, T Swinson, J Hamilton; R Wilson, K Brown (Capt.) D Denton.
Replacements: P MacArthur, A Dickinson, G Cross, R Gray, J Beattie, C Cusiter, M Scott, M Evans.
It’s a special day for the man set to wear this jersey for Ireland. O’Driscoll makes his 129th appearance for his country, setting a new record. Congratulations to the Leinster man, what an achievement.
©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
So keep those predictions coming. Does POC’s injury greatly change the margin of Ireland’s favoritism? Here are a couple of the early calls in the comments section:
Stephen McMahon: POC out, revise the prediction. 25-12.
Begrudgy: 21-13 to Ireland.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has been speaking to RTE about the loss of Paul O’Connell, who had not slept much last night due to the severity of his chest infection. He said, “It’s unfortunate when it happens late in the day, especially to a talismanic character like Paul.”
Pic: RTE Two
Just under 20 minutes to kick-off and here are some of our preview and analysis pieces to get you up to speed:
The teams are on the pitch and we’re getting set for the anthems here. Excitement building hugely at an almost full Aviva Stadium. President Higgins is out to meet the players now.
And those formalities are over. Here come the anthems…
And the singing is done. Time for the rugby! Here we go, Ireland’s 2014 Six Nations is set to get underway, with Duncan Weir waiting for Craig Joubert’s signal to get us going…
1 minute – We’re underway, with Dave Kearney and Peter O’Mahony making the first two big carries inside Ireland’s 22, before Sexton launches a garryowen…
3 minutes – Extended early possession for Scotland just inside Ireland’s half, but they are making little progress until Hogg joins the line at pace. His surge brings them closer to the 22, and then Maitland steps inside a tackle to advance. Laidlaw looking comfortable directing play with his crisp passing…
3 minutes – But the passage ends with a brilliant turnover penalty won by Chris Henry. Encouraging stuff from the openside, he actually pushed Mike Ross out of the way to get at the ball as Lamont became isolated in attack. Sexton clears up to just outside the Scotland half and Ireland play off the top of the line-out to Marshall.
5 minutes – Ireland lacking penetration on their first attack of the afternoon and a big Duncan Taylor hit stops Marshall dead in his tracks on fourth phase. Jim Hamilton and the forwards pile in looking for the turnover and Conor Murray goes off his feet protecting the ball. Here’s Laidlaw with the penalty…
He’s missed it, hitting the left-hand post. Let off for Ireland!
7 minutes – Scotland playing with ambition here! They take a quick line-out on left and Hogg makes another searing run. However, O’Mahony is there to win another turnover and Sexton hacks his clearance away down the left-hand touchline. Ireland steal the line-out and here they go into the Scotland half on the attack through Sexton….
8 minutes - Sexton grubbers through inside the Scotland 22, but he is impeded after kicking. Appeals for a penalty but nothing there. Hogg clears to touch and here goes the Ireland maul. Powerful…
9 minutes – Ireland rumble all the way to Scotland’s try-line, but when the surge collapses, Joubert awards the defensive scrum to the visitors. Very, very close for Plumtree’s pack that time, the maul looked like going all the way. Scotland feed to the 5 metre scrum, but Ireland need to keep the pressure on here.
12 minutes – Huge scrum from Healy in particular there, driving Low backwards but Scotland survive and Laidlaw clears to touch. Ireland will go on the attack from a line-out on the 2. Great signs of power up front already here… And as I say it, the ball is spilled at the tail of the set-piece.
13 minutes – The Kearney brothers counter-attack and when Kelly Brown fails to roll away after completing his tackle, Joubert awards Ireland their first kickable penalty. Sexton standing over this, just to the left of the posts and around 35 metres out…
PENALTY! Ireland 3 – 0 Scotland (Sexton ’14)
15 minutes – Scotland kick to Dave Kearney once again with their drop-off and the winger makes yards before recycling. Excellent work from Ireland to come away from that visit into the Scotland half with points, that sort of possession efficiency will be important. Jonny Sexton is looking very fresh out there, while Henry and O’Mahony are very busy so far.
15 minutes – A short break in play there and Joubert warns Heaslip that he’s hearing too many voices directed at him from Ireland’s side. Early caution, discipline is key. The Leinster No. 8 has already been in the South African ref’s ear a few times with queries and opinions.
PENALTY! Ireland 3-3 Scotland (Laidlaw ’19)
22 minutes – Sexton with a good chance to answer that Laidlaw pen with three points of this own here, 3o metres out, to the left of the sticks…
PENALTY! Ireland 6-3 Scotland (Sexton ’23)
25 minutes – Ireland thrillingly looking to counter out of their own half, but they’ve been turned over in doing so for the second time. Just didn’t get enough bodies to the breakdown and Scotland managed to steal possession with their excellent counter-rucking.
26 minutes – Scotland get some maul revenge there up the right, before Cian Healy cuts Ireland’s losses and collapses it. It’s quite possibly a kickable penalty, but Brown opts to kick to touch this time. Scottish throw on Ireland’s 22, right-hand side… But there’s a brilliant steal in the air from Peter O’Mahony!
28 minutes – That’s superb fullback play from Rob Kearney. Weir puts an almost inch-perfect kick into the left corner and it’s bouncing for touch before the Leinster man taps it back into play then turns on a halfpenny and gathers to kick clear with a booming left foot. Excellent skills and confident decision-making.
30 minutes – Scotland win a superb maul turnover as they hold Ireland up just metres from their own line. Laidlaw to put in now in a brilliant attacking situation for Scott Johnson’s side. A bit of pushing and shoving from Healy and O’Mahony there after the whistle. Fiery stuff now!
31 minutes – Ooh Denton goes very close with a powerful surge from the tail of the scrum. However, Heaslip and O’Mahony are equally as strong in driving him out over the right-hand touchline. Murray chipped in too on that occasion. Ireland getting great change from the line-out as they pick off another Ross Ford throw.
32 minutes – Glimpses of Sexton’s creativity so far, but hasn’t quite managed to turn half-chances into scores. Looks very sharp though.
©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Scotland substitution: Sean Maitland goes off injured, with Max Evans of Castres on in his place. An exciting runner with ball in hand, but slightly frail in defence.
35 minutes – Ireland attack from left to right inside their own half, but a really loose pass from O’Driscoll turns possession over. That allows Scotland back onto the front foot. Weir steps into the pocket, but Ireland are straight on top of him and he is forced to carry again. Scotland 30 metres out now, move it wide to the right, gorgeous hands from Taylor and Hogg.
The passage ends with an excellent turnover penalty from Cian Healy, with O’Mahony aiding him there.
38 minutes – Dave Kearney demonstrates that his kicking can match his brother’s, clearing with a powerful right foot. But Ireland are really struggling for territory in this game.
Sexton with a huge linebreak here….
39 minutes - We’re with the TMO here after Heaslip crossed in the left-hand corner, but was his foot in touch?
39 minutes – NO TRY! Ruled out. Brilliant break from Sexton from inside his own half, dancing past three defenders, before throwing a long, long pass out to the left to find Heaslip. The No. 8 was just dragged into touch by Evans though. Brilliant attacking play and Ireland now have a line-out five metres out…
40 minutes – Maul first, Murray snipes…
TRY! Ireland 11 – 3 Scotland (Trimble ’40)
40 minutes – That’s an excellent team try. Started with a strong maul, Murray sniped, Dan Tuohy carried in midfield, then Marshall and Rob Kearney put it through the hands to Trimble wide on the right. Superb score.
HALF TIME: Ireland 11 – 3 Scotland
Sexton misses with his conversion from the right, but that’s an excellent way to end the half. Great try, hopefully there is more of the same to come.
What are your thoughts on that first half? Ireland really struggled to get out of their own half of the pitch, mainly because they have been looking to attack with ball in hand from deep. Sexton’s linebreak was an example of what they can do in that regard, but on other occasions handling has let Ireland down.
Which players are standing out so far? How do you see the second half going?
Positives so far? Here are a couple, but feel free to send us your thoughts!
- Ireland are competing well at the breakdown, with O’Mahony standing out there.
- The line-out is running very well, with a handful of steals on the Scottish throw too.
- In the tight, Plumtree’s forwards look more powerful. The scrum looks to be going forward.
- Sexton looks sharp with ball in hand, particularly for that wonderful linebreak.
No changes as the teams come back out. TheScore.ie reader Cian O’Donoghoe has this advice for the Irish team:
This game needs someone to take it by the scruff of the neck. Once again, intensity lacking.
TRY!! Ireland 18-6 Scotland (Heaslip ’47)
No arguing with that score for Heaslip as he powers over after another foreceful Irish maul. Sexton nails the conversion and suddenly we have breathing room.
53 minutes – Ireland back on the front foot inside the Scottish 22 now, very powerful attack but the passage ends as Scotland knock on an attempted pass from Luke Marshall. Ireland starting to step things up a gear now it seems.
54 minutes – Apologies, we missed an update in the 43rd minute, when Laidlaw struck a penalty for the Scots following an excellent Max Evans hit on O’Driscoll and then a strong maul. Internet went wobbly for a few minutes here at the Aviva, but we’re back up as Ireland attack through Luke Marshall from that scrum.
56 minutes – Brilliant loop by Sexton off O’Driscoll in midfield, before releasing Kearney on his right shoulder with a short pop pass. Penalty comes Ireland’s way as the Scots fail to roll away in a subsequent ruck. Jim Hamilton gets a warning for his persistent involvement in the afters and Ireland are going to have a shot at goal now. Sexton to the right of the sticks, on the 22.
PENALTY! Ireland 21-6 Scotland (Sexton ’57)
Scotland subs: Richie Gray and Johnnie Beattie on for Kelly Brown and Jim Hamilton. Alasdair Dickinson is also on the pitch for Ryan Grant.
58 minutes – Heaslip is continually in Joubert’s ear now about the Scottish tendancy to lie all over the ball after they’ve completed their tackles. It does appear to be frustrating for Schmidt’s men as the penalties start to rack up.
60 minutes – Healy makes a clean break down the right after some excellent Ireland attack and Schmidt’s men are up to the Scotland 22 now. Looking threatening, but need to regroup and reorganise.
61 minutes - Frustration though as Beattie wins the turnover in contact and Scotland break out after a long left-handed pass from Weir to Evans on the right-hand touchline. Then Sexton compounds the problem by shooting offside before the ball is out. Scotland kick to touch and then play into midfield, but O’Mahony makes a massive hit and forces a knock-on. Ireland kick in behind the Scots…
63 minutes – This game is starting to open up now as Scotland attack intelligently and eventually grubber low into the left-hand corner. There are spaces opening up though for both sides.
Ireland sub: Marty Moore is on for his debut, replacing Mike Ross.
64 minutes – Having forced Kearney to carry into touch, Scotland have the throw but Ireland steal in the air yet again. Really strong defensive line-out from Plumtree’s forwards this afternoon.
Ireland sub: Jack McGrath is on the pitch in place of Cian Healy.
65 minutes – Another really smart kick out of Weir there as he finds that left-hand corner with a well-weighted diagonal kick.
Scotland sub: Matt Scott is on at inside centre in place of Duncan Taylor, who did well.
66 minutes – Ireland need smart heads at this stage of the game. Scotland well behind, but beginning to grow back into it just a little bit.
©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
66 minutes – Scotland off their feet, Duncan Weir the guilty party, as the changes continue on both sides.
Scotland sub: Moray Low is off for Geoff Cross. Pat MacArthur on for Ross Ford.
Ireland subs: Tommy O’Donnell and Sean Cronin enter the fray in place of Best and O’Mahony.
69 minutes – Contentious decision there by Joubert as he awards the ‘mark’ called by Hogg, despite Kearney also having his hands on the ball in the air. Looked 50/50 and the Irishman has every right to compete and rip the ball clear.
Jonny Sexton is beginning to kick intelligently now, finding space in behind the Scots as they attempt to pressurise Ireland.
That second Ireland try has been credited to Rory Best by the Six Nations officials but it still looks like a Heaslip score to us…
YouTube credit: RBS 6 Nations
71 minutes – Lovely attacking play from Ireland as O’Driscoll and Sexton’s hands release Dave Kearney down the left, before O’Donnell and McGrath carry strongly in midfield. Schmidt’s men up to the 22 as Henry makes a half-break!!
TRY! Ireland 26-6 Scotland (Rob Kearney ’72)
72 minutes – The fullback stretches through the despairing tackles of Scotland to touch down to the left of the posts. Wonderful power from Henry to bust through just the phase before.
CONVERSION! Ireland 28-6 Scotland (Sexton ’72)
74 minutes – A raft of changes for Ireland as Brian O’Driscoll leaves the pitch.
Ireland subs: Iain Henderson, Fergus McFadden, Isaac Boss and Paddy Jackson all on for Toner, Sexton, Murray and O’Driscoll.
Scotland sub: Chris Cusiter on at scrum-half instead of Laidlaw.
76 minutes – Ireland latest attack ends with a turnover penalty against them and Scotland kick up the left-hand side for a line-out just inside Ireland’s half. The Aviva crowd makes an effort to get ‘The Fields of Athenry’ going, but it dies out soon after.
TheScore.ie reader Aidan Lennon was impressed with Ireland’s most recent try:
That’s a classy try from Rob Kearney, great work from Tuohy and Henry as well
78 minutes – Bit of a scrum mess now late in the game as the replacements attempt to get to grips with each other. Eventually Boss feeds and then Heaslip pops the ball up the the scrum-half. McFadden carries in midfield as Ireland make progress. Scotland pinged for side entry out on the left and Jackson kicks down the touchline for an Ireland line-out 35 metres out.
79 minutes – Jamie Heaslip has been named the official man of the match for a busy afternoon’s work at No. 8.
80 minutes – Ireland finishing on the attack inside Scotland’s 22 as Jackson looks lively… The forwards now picking and going with power!
80 minutes – Off to the TMO for a bizarre-looking try. Jackson put a little diagonal chip in behind Scotland and Dave Kearney hared after it. The ball bounced almost on the sideline, before the Leinster man caught it in mid-air and dotted down while attempting to keep his feet in play…
FULL TIME: Ireland 28 – 6 Scotland
No try for Kearney however, as the TMO rules the ball had bounced out of play. A convincing win for Ireland, even if it wasn’t perfect. Is rugby ever perfect though? Joe Schmidt’s men get their Six Nations campaign off to a winning start.
So what are your initial thoughts on that game? Ireland comprehensive winners in the end after scoring three tries. Schmidt’s men never really looked like losing this one, even if the half time lead was not by a wide margin.
What stood out for you in that first Six Nations match? Which players impressed?
Schmidt will certainly be happy with the result, even if there were some attacking inaccuracies that will have frustrated him. Forwards coach John Plumtree should be truly satisfied with his pack’s effort here in Dublin, the line-out was superb and the scrums powerful. Breakdown needs some work ahead of the clash with Wales though.
That’s all we have time for on the liveblog. Thanks very much for joining us and your comments are greatly appreciated, as always. We’re off to hear what Schmidt and Heaslip have to say about that game, but we’ll have plenty of reaction, analysis and comment this evening and tomorrow. Cheers!
