And so the brief glare of sunshine that glinted over the peak of the East stand before kick-off soon turned to rain as Scotland felt the full pressure of a difficult first half at the hands of the Irish and, more tellingly, the referee Wayne Barnes.
From the start this was very obviously going to be a tight contest between two sets of players, very familiar with each other and determined to wield any kind of advantage, whether legal or not. Determined not to pander to the Irish choke tactics at the breakdown the Scottish pack set about creating a state of Martial Law in the contact areas.
Despite the cheating being fairly robust on both sides, referee Barnes decided to err on the side of the Scots when handing out the free-kicks and penalties in the first half. This was no more obvious than when he sin-binned Ryan Grant on 15 minutes for not retreating 10 metres before tackling. No warning, straight card.
Scotland weathered this storm with Sean Lamont filling in at flanker in the scrums to continue Scotland’s dominance in this area. Meanwhile, when there were some outbreaks of running rugby it was the Irish backs who looked the more dangerous.
With the Scots scrambling well in defence and working very hard to stand still, Barnes eventually gave Ireland the chance he’d been trying to give them since the kick off and Paddy Jackson made up for an earlier penalty miss by slotting his chance. Rob Harley was lucky not to be carded shortly after for taking an Irishman out in the air before a late, and extremely rare, penalty to Scotland (orchestrated by Sean Maitland’s savvy) was just kicked short by Stuart Hogg to bring to an end a turgid, penalty ridden, frustration of a half.
An early second-half, soft Irish try from Craig Gilroy in the bottom corner led to a big punch up and some blood injuries. Amid the carnage was a missed conversion by Jackson who thankfully seemed to have left his kicking boots in Ulster.
Dougie Hall (on for Ross Ford) absolutely melted Rob Kearney in a tackle on the half-way before loose lips from the Irish saw them lose 20 yards. Scotland kicked for touch, grunted it up a bit from the line-out, got another miracle from Barnes and Greig Laidlaw stepped up to get Scotland’s first points of the day. It was straight back down the other end though for an Irish penalty which Jackson again horribly sliced wide.
Meanwhile, Scotland were beginning to creep back into things. Barnes had suddenly decided to penalise the Irish for everything, particularly at the scrum, and Laidlaw managed to knock another over to close the score to 8-6. Game on with 20 minutes still to play. There is a growing menace about Scotland in attack these days and some sustained pressure on the Irish line led to another penalty from everyone’s favourite Jedhart and Scotland had the lead for the first time in the game.
Barnes was now well and truly warming to his Scottish theme and every decision was going the way of the men in dark blue. Some absolutely mental kicking and uncharacteristic panic from the Irish led to yet another penalty to Scotland for offside in defence. That man Laidlaw extended the lead to 12-8 and it was set to be a tense final 5 or so minutes. It seemed now a case of whoever got into the oppositions 22 was getting a penalty and Ireland took their turn with a kick for a line-out. About a hundred nerve-wracking phases by the Irish eventually led to a Scottish penalty, three reset scums on the Scottish line and the Irish were handed their chance to win the game. Tap and go by the Irish, some quick hands then a huge knock-on in the centre by Luke Marshall signalled a vital win for Scotland. The sigh of relief around Murrayfield was monumental.
This wasn’t a pretty win and there was more than a whiff of good fortune about it but Scotland stuck in well, played as a team and refused to be beaten. Once again Jim Hamilton, Kelly Brown and the ever-reliable Laidlaw had huge games.
The result? Back to back wins in the Six Nations for the first time since 2001. Heady times for Scottish Rugby indeed, long may they continue.
47 Responses
Was at the game – huge sense of relief afterwards. Poor first half but incredible determination saw them through. We’ll need a combination of the last two games to overcome Wales.
I think that’s what is called winning ugly, but history will show that Scotland won and got two points to go with that win. That team wanted it and fought for each other the whole game. I didn’t want Johson and Ryan but got that wrong and it is obvious the players are listening to the coaches and have got confidence in themselves and back themselves to go the hard yards. What price a win against Wales and a French team in disarray . Didn’t think that would be a realistic scenario at the start of the tournament. Happy Days,long may they continue.
Plenty of coment on BBC about the amount of possession Ireland were getting and how dominant they were around the park but totally missed the fact/gave no credit that Scotland had total dominance in the scrum and were menacing in the lineout and defended well as a unit.
Totally agree with your comments about Wayne Barnes, consistency is what punters and players want to see, The Irish could basically do what they wanted at the breakdown without fear whereas Sxcotland seemd to be constantly trying to keep on the refs good side.
We did back off a little at the breakdown and gave the Irish too much respect and things did seem to be going more like the England game at the start of our campaign and less like our performance against Italy, but full credit to the team for sticking with it.
why oh why did scotland persist with Laidlaw box kicking as a clearing strategy in the first half? He doesn’t have the boot to get any decent yardage and all that happened is they get the ball to run back back from our 10. surely Hogg’s big boot would be a better way to get back up the field a decent way?
Other than that rant, was an entertaining game if not pretty and there was a great atmosphere at Murrayfield. Think Wales are beatable, so far the have won both there games by being the less rubbish of two rubbish teams. Now france away, anything could happen.
Laidlaw’s box kick are losing us good meters. Simple wipers kicks or down the line. Anything but a box. Note, Scotland on attack, penalty advantage, 5 meters out, box kick! We gave up a try for that. Whats going through his head. Score the damn try.
Definitely seem to be playing for each other now, working as a unit and capable of playing for a full 80 minutes – despite having tackled three times as much as the Irish. Gutsy win, helped by some odd Irish decision making and poor execution.
I watched Glasgow beat Ulster on Friday and see that the U20s have also beaten their Irish counterparts. I sense a new confidence emerging in our teams, as well as some great new players. I do wish though they could work on controlling the game through more territory and possession. I think we were a bit too uncommitted at some of the breakdowns. Anyway, I think we can beat the Welsh.
Scotland on attack, penalty advantage, 5 meters out, box kick! We gave up a try for that. Whats going through his head. Score the damn try.
Advantage is there for a reason.
Wayne Barnes is a terrible ref and always will be.
I agree with your frustration but they had already held onto the ball for 2 or 3 phases and some refs will end the advantage if you play the ball for too long (see Laidlaw’s attempt at a try v England last year which was not given and we lost the chance for a penalty kick).
So, they had to pull something out of the hat and not go through phases. OK, that little chip was a bit odd but they clearly didn’t see the only other option to cross-kick it to Visser who was jumping up and down for the ball.
Well, well, well. Take a bow Girth. *golf clap*
A dominent performance in the scrum, which many regard as his weakest asset, was key to victory today. I must admit, after backing him on these forums I was nervous in case he did not deliver but Girth stepped up. He has to start against Wales after that perfomrance with Murray on the bench otherwise Murray (who has played well) will know that if he is availible, he will start. I think the only Scotland scrum that was under pressure was in the dying seconds of the match once Girth had gone off.
Seriously though, it was not pretty but a similar performance to last years outing in Australia. Taking points every time we entered the Irish half. If England had sneaked a victory like that, the pundits would be full of praise about the emergence of a new, mature and patient England. After many seasons of us being criticised for not taking our chances, when we finally do, we are ‘lucky and ‘undeserving’. Inverdale actually annoyed me in his smugness about how bad Scotland were.
Great win for us and really looking forward to Wales now. A few selection headaches for Scotland can only be a good thing. #Girth
Some fantastic defensive displays across the park with Jim Hamilton putting in a huge shift. Kelly Brown had another solid game and must surely be knocking on the door for a spot in the Lions party. However, man of the match for me was undoubtedly Girth. He was collosal in the scrum and we won numerous penalties there that allowed us to get the points we needed but also relieve the pressure at key moments. Hats of to you Girth. Immense. There were a number of tweeters who mocked myself and others who were pleased with Girth’s inclusion. Girth replied to those tweeters. #GIRTH
We really struggled to turn over and slow down the Irish ball and this is something that needs to be looked at for the Welsh game as Tipuric is a very good openside. O’Brien was everywhere for the Irish and as well as Harley played against Italy I think we are better suited having Brown at 6 and a genuine openside. Nobody is fit though!
A look at the stats for last years Scotland England game answers some of your questions.
Scotland England
Possession 68% 32%
Territory 72% 28%
Clean Breaks 9 1
Defenders Beaten 14 0
tackeles made/missed 73/0 168/14
England won the game and received universal praise while Scotland were slaughtered by the likes of Davies/Guscott/Inverdale
I thought Weir was good when he cam eon and gave the side a bit of added purpose. I’d like to see him start against Wales, he’s never really had a fair crack at getting a starting spot and Jackson has done well enough this championship, but seems like a stop gap.
Still haven’t quite got over the “how did we win that?”, but delighted with the result and the team’s spirit. Based on positives I think that Weir, Cross and Hall have all put their hands up for a start against Wales with Jackson, Murray and Ford on the bench. Big Jim Hamilton was immense.
Stupendous win! Gritty, luck was ridden and every point earned. Best overhead conversation “Aye, Johnson’s better than Robinson for sure” “What?!!” “It’s all in the mullet”
Lets hear it for #GIRTH!
Barclay’s had a couple of games back for Glasgow now has he not Phoenix? Very happy with Brown and Harley performance-wise, but would also like to see a true openside in (The Killer Bs reunited!). Ryan Wilson is knocking hard on that number 8 door too, keeping the pressure on Denton and Beattie.
I think you meant to reply to the Pidgeon there but yes, Barclay has played a few games for Glasgow but difficult to tell if he is back to his best given he has played against a woeful Dragons team and Ulster missing loads of players. It will be interesting to see how he gets on at Cardiff.
We may see him in the squad in two weeks time but I am just not sure Johnson will do too much tinkering to a side that is winning regardless of performance.
I hope he does for some of the backs but not sure he can justify slotting Barclay in at the expense of Denton/Kellock (Harley covering the house) but given our lack of pressure at the breakdown, he might have too.
I’d like to see the Killer B’s reunited and a start for Weir against Wales, Horne deserves to be on the bench even if he did miss all of his kicks against Ulster. Bennett and Heathcote should be given a chance at some point in the tournament as well
Think it might be to early for Bennett and Heathcote and we are more likely to see them get a run out in the summer (when we lose loads of players to the lions), i would however like to see Horne/Dunbar on the bench. Would be more exciting than Max Evans limbering up. Nothing against him and he has not really had a chance to do much this championship but we kind of know what to expect. Dunbar or Horne would be an unknown quantity which Luke Marshall proved can be dangerouse despite playing against the Welsh guys week in week out in the Rabo as they will have something to prove.
I thought Weir was good also so might get the nod for a start though it would be hard to change a winning team too much. Johnson’s message before the Ireland game was to leave the team unchanged and asked the team to prove to him that they could win again which they achieved. Therefore, I think changes will be minimal.
Barclay is doing okay but he’s still not returned to his form of the Killer B years, Fusaro will be right back ahead of him once fit. Fusaro and Rennie would have that spot nailed down if fit, with Harley and Brown competing for 6.
We’ve got some great depth in the third row but lack that truly world class flanker in Rennie. The lad can do it all. It’d be great to see Fusaro scrapping away in his place and providing turnover ball, so it’s a it’s a big shame that he’s unlikely to debut til the summer.
Those that I questioned for suggesting Mark Bennet could get a game in the next year could be proven right soon enough too, the lad has done nicely in his last two outings and I think he could put himself right up there in contention soon enough. The centres still aren’t quite right, and Lamont being at 13 compromised our attacking game. He does add huge defensive and surprise counter-rucking/scavenging however and I’ve always liked him whilst lamenting his lack of awareness on the attack and nous inside the opposition 22.
It’s going to be difficult for Johnson to change a winning team, but it’s what a really good coach would at least consider doing. If we’re going to play a game plan based on letting the opp have the ball, not contesting the tackle area unless there’s a clear-cut turnover chance, etc., then having a siege gun boot at 10 to clear the lines would be a great idea, simply to give the players some respite – its very difficult to defend phase after phase and not lose concentration or get completely drained.
Re Lamont’s defence, I think his tackling is generally solid enough, however he’s a bit at sea in terms of his defensive positioning at 13, likely simply cos he doesn’t play there that regularly any more (admittedly he had near on a full season at OC with Scarlets a few years back). Scotland’s future at 13 is almost certainly Mark Bennett, and personally I would have no fear about rushing him in. His attacking instincts are strong, he’s a superb breaker of the gain line, his tackling needs work but his defensive positioning is usually top-notch, and his low centre of gravity jackalling for the ball on the deck reminds me of the great BOD
Mark Bennett has played 2 games for Glasgow, one of which was against a poor Dragons side and the other against Ulster without their internationals. Give him some time to settle into senior rugby – would love to see him on a summer tour and in the squad for the autumn tests.
Would love to see Dunbar get a go, but think he’ll stick with Lamont for Wales.
Hamish, you’re absolutely right, and it could easily backfire as an overly-hasty move. But in the absence of a genuine outside centre – NdeL brain-fart at the weekend likely ensuring his absence for an extended period, Ansbro’s neck injury meaning its still uncertain he’ll ever return, and Grove completely out of favour – it might be worth a look? Agreed that the summer tour is likely the right place to do it
Girth on the radar for the lions!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21578537
#Girth4Lions
Apologies Phoenix, it was indeed intended for the pigeon. Yep hard to say whether a not quite back to form openside is a better option than what we’re playing currently. On a different note, I do think Weir could bring more control an area where we have clearly been lacking and put in a superior performance to justify a chance. Would also like to see Horne or Dunbar in the mix, though it would be harsh to drop players who haven’t under performed. I am sure the Glasgow centres will get their chances soon enough and I’m looking forward to seeing that.
It is good to see some excitement building around Scottish rugby. The most pleasing is the emergence of some decent talent in the back line in the form of Horne, Dunbar, Bennet and Heathcote (by all accounts played well against the Saxons).
I think for all his good intentions Lamont has not got a great deal of rugby about him. Take away his physical attributes and not sure there is a lot there. Dunbar to start against Wales.
Weir should start at ten. Weir has a good kicking game and provides more in attack that he gets credit for. Distribution is maybe where he could improve.
Also, great to see Richie Vernon back at Glasgow and Roddy Grant extend his contract at Edinburgh. A lot of young talent being mentioned emerging but most seem to be based at Glasgow, how will Edinburgh improve their fortunes next season?
any thoughts as to why bennett has been left out the glasgow squad for Friday night. Could he be in line for promotion to the scotland squad??!! Or is he just injured?
I don’t think promotion would neccessarily preclude him from game time a week in advance. I notice Weir is in the line up for example, and I’ll be muchos disappointed if he is at least not on the bench against Wales.
Bennett’s not on the “not available through injury” list though – so who knows…
I am also perplexed as to why Taylor Paris is not getting more game time. The chaps contract expires at the end of this season and I am begining to think that he will not have it renewed.
David, He seems to be away with the Canadian 7s squad on the circuit – is that thru choice or the other way round, simply that he’s not getting included in the Glasgow match day squads?
Taylor Paris has only been with the Canadian 7s squad for the past two tournaments, he has been available for Glasgow for the majority of the season. Having seen him play for Dundee numerous times, he is certainly a very solid player, but I think he lacks the cutting edge that some of the other back three players possess. Good player, nice guy, but seems as though it could have been SRU money directed elsewhere.
Worstrouteontour. I guess Edinburgh are shackled to a lame duck coach till the season finishes, then who knows. Deeply sad to watch good players under performing and clearly not enjoying their rugby. I’m a big fan of Murrayfield as ER home, and when the rugby is good you don’t notice the empty seats. This season the failure echoes round the empty stands. I’ve barely missed a home match in 5 years but I’ve stopped going. It’s a long way back to St. Andrews with only faults to discuss.
Rosco – Townsend is quoted in the Scotsman saying that Bennett has been realeased back to to the u20s for their games v Wales and France so dont expect to see him in the full setup just yet. Presumably Glasgow do not need the cover anymore with Weir and Pyrgos back in the squad.
Yup he is lining up for the U20s on Friday
Weir, Kellock and Welsh starting tomorrow night would suggest they are on the bench v Wales next week??
Pyrgos benching as Matawalu has been so good.
I’m hoping for a few minor tweaks to the team for the Wales game. Much inline with the comments on here I’d like to see Weir start (injected some urgency when he came on against Ireland and a good game yesterday) and Dunbar in for Lamont as Dunbar seems to be back to the form he had at the end of season last year. I also think Wilson deserves to be on the bench more than Denton who is completely out of form. Does anyone know when Rennie is due back? It seems he’ll miss out on Lions.
WARNING: Wales are rebuilding. Scotland are gloating. The Scots have never reacted well to positive hype since 1990.
Play Weir. He’s hungry and better than Jackson. Sean Lamont is the weak link and Roberts/Cuthbert will expose him. I can’t suggest a solution though, as I think they’d run over the top of Max Evans too. At least Evans know’s how to terrorise as an attacking centre. Having said that, Lamont gets stuck in at the break down which we will really need. Aaghhhh decisions decisions Mr Johnson. Who will you choose!?!
For what its worth..I’d play Cross v Jenkins and Murray v James so wait til the Welsh starting team is named and see their props. Agree with Lamont statement…Evans out of squad, Lamont to wing and Dunbar gets a start
Lamont to wing instead of who?
Unless there has been an injury I didn’t pick up on, there is no way that Maitland and Visser would be moved in any team I pick.
I largely agree that Lamont is the least exciting player in our backline now but given that makes up roughly half of the cap experience of our 9-15 I think he needs to stay.
As people have said, the time to experiment with young centres is the summer tour. I think the likes of Horne, Dunbar, Bennet (even Cairns if he gets any fitness) will all offer more for Scotland but chanmging a winning team doesn’t make sense.
Having said that, I completely agree with dropping Evans. I’ve said it plenty before but he offers nothing.
Must have had more caps for Scotland than Castres since he moved there.
Cammy..I meant to say Lamont to bench in place of Evans. That gives us all the cover we need
Cammy, Sounds like Cairns might be moving to a coaching position with Edinburgh for next season reading between the lines of a Hootsmon article from last week:
“Bradley has hardly seen Cairns play in his two years at the club, and would not be drawn on whether his contract would be renewed this summer.
“He’s a quality player and whether he’ll be the same player post the two operations is up for question, but he has still got phenomenal knowledge out on the pitch, is an experienced player and his role might change as to how he might contribute to Edinburgh Rugby.””
Possibly Kev was arguing for promoting Dunbar to the 13 shirt, with SLamont moving to the bench where he can pretty much cover every backline position 12-15 (to one degree or another)?
I hadn’t read that re. Cairns. Sad news if true. He’s was very much the better out of himself and DeLuca.
I’d agree with moving Evans out of the match squad and replacing with Dunbar but at this point I don’t think you move Lamont out of the team.
Can’t wait to see Dunbar, Horne, Scott and Benett battle for those two positions over the next few years though.
Laidlaw is really starting to get on my nerves with that box kick, I think he misses playing at 10. Would like to see pygros on and also weir at 10 as he is more tactical with his kicking which we need against the welsh.
Do like Harly as he adds good speed to the back-row but I would def like to see Stroker back in at 6. Still undecided on beattie as well and I hope Wilson gets the nod against wales and steps up.
Box kick is now recognised as a standard ‘exit strategy’ from a defensive position.
It’s seen as a better option to kick high down the touchline with a good pressurised chase than to just kick for touch and give up a line out.
Depends on a good kick and a good chase though……
Laidlaw probably did more than any other player to pull the Irish game out of the fire. Hugely intelligent rugby brain and really important leader in this team. I can see him as Scotland’s number 1 scrum-half until past the next world cup at least.
With all due respect to Strokosch, who has been a great servant to the team, I can’t see him adding too many more caps. He’s only really been in contention this championship because Brown has been forced onto the openside by injuries to Rennie, Fusaro and Barclay. With the emergence of Harley and now Wilson I can’t see him getting selected again.
Great to see Weir getting a start against Wales – let’s hope he rises to the challenge!