Late, late Ireland try
It’s harsh on Scotland, it really is. Sheahan again finishes it off after Ireland go the length with the clock in the red through pure desire for a fifth try. Murphy converts and that’ll be full-time.
It’s harsh on Scotland, it really is. Sheahan again finishes it off after Ireland go the length with the clock in the red through pure desire for a fifth try. Murphy converts and that’ll be full-time.
Scotland botch a very good attacking position just at Ireland’s 22 and McLaughlin seizes upon a loose ball with his boot. Sean Naughton is haring after it and looks poised to score, only for Kerr Yule to show outstanding commitment to get back, make the tackle, then another, and force a turnover. There’s then a penalty for a Scottish offiide, but Ireland spill when a metre or two from the line.
It’s all over at Musgrave Park and it’s Ireland who earn a 36-0, five-try win. Scotland kept in the battle until the final knockings and perhaps deserved a little more than such a score suggests against a team who will top the standings depending on the result of France v England in Pau, which finishes later on.
It’s a bonus point score for Ireland, who are feasting on Scottish fatigue. Sean Edogbo the scorer, belligerently finding a way over with a couple of minutes left. Murphy gets it converted, and Ireland lead 29-0.
Ireland strike from a rumbling line-out maul, sub hooker Danny Sheahan going over from close range. Murphy doesn’t miss the conversion this time, and Ireland lead 22-0 with fewer than 10 minutes on the clock.
Monroe Job also replaced Jonny Morris in the back row and immediately receives a yellow for cynically stopping a quick tap penalty. Scotland down to 14 until the final five.
Scotland utilise their remaining bench options as Marcus Brogan replaces Jerry Blyth-Lafferty at hooker and Callum Norrie takes his leave after a great shift, with Ryan Whitefield on at tighthead.
It’s Evan O’Connell who gets on the scoresheet after phase after phase of controlled, close-quarter rumbles from the home pack. Murphy misses a sitter after his two previous worldies, so it’ll remain 15-0.
Hector Patterson is replaced by Eric Davey at scrum-half, Finn Douglas is on for Jack Brown and then a minute later, Kerr Yule replaces Findlay Thomson at centre and Archie Clarke comes on for Euan McVie in the second row,
That anticipation is fruitless in the face of Jonny Morris’ jackal, which delivers an exceptional turnover. Ireland have lost centre Hugh Gavin, a huge presence, in the aftermath of it all.
His conversion earlier was picture perfect from the touchline and this time Jack Murphy lands one from miles out, in front of the posts. 10-0.
Freddy Douglas proves he is indeed human, giving away a penalty for not releasing in the tackle. Ireland go to touch in search of a second try and the crowd have been awakened somewhat in anticipation.
Ireland look a bit like a side (a very good side) who are slightly off it, having seen their hopes of a third consecutive Grand Slam fall last weekend in drawing with England. This time it’s Sean Edogbo who knocks on when faced with dark blue defence; it’s all very stop-start. The hosts click at scrum-time though and win the penalty, from which Murphy will attempt the first points in almost half an hour of play.
Ireland No. 8 Luke Murphy is down and play should really be stopped as the ball finds itself live towards the stricken back row. It’s not though, and Ireland almost benefit from the needless chaos, before Jonny Morris engineers a kncok-on with quick reactions at the breakdown. Scottish scrum inside their own 22.
The half-time whistle goes when referee Namekawa spots yet another marvellous Freddy Douglas jackal. Ireland lead through a Hugo McLaughlin try, converted by Jack Murphy, but a mighty 101 tackles from a relentless Scottish defensive effort have kept the home team in check. Encouraging and committed to the full, they’ll have to go again shortly.
Jack Murphy gets us off and running once more, Scotland safely clearing towards halfway. So impressive in the opening 40, another huge effort is required from the away side to stay in this tie.
Tell you what, Scotland’s defensive work has been nothing short of outstanding. Time after time, shirts in green are being felled and no change is being given by the miserly visitors. It’ll be sapping, but it’s also hugely impressive.
Ach, it doesn’t quite go to plan as a messy line-out is gathered, but then almost immediately knocked on by Ruaraidh Hart. But Scotland win a third straight scrum penalty! Robbie Deans, the magic touch it would appear. Now a Scottish scrum about seven metres from points.
This scrum dominance is really playing havoc with Ireland’s plans here. Offside called and of course, Scotland opt for the forward set piece. Referee Takehito Namekawa has had the game’s first quiet word with the home team, but they rally in turn to win their own scrum penalty. Keeping up?
Callum Smyth is withdrawn, with Robbie Deans taking the loosehead’s place. And it’s some start for Robbie, contributing to Scotland engineering a scrum penalty against the head.
Jack Brown takes his eye off a Jack Murphy Garryowen and Sean Edogbo ponchos to make plenty a yard. Ireland work it out to the left wing, where Hugo McLaughlin barrels over. Murphy’s conversion is a proper beauty from the touchline, and Ireland lead 7-0.
Inevitable, really? Ireland are about to pounce you feel, but Scotland’s turnover machine Freddy Douglas gets all limpet-like over the ball and forces the penalty. Outstanding from the openside and some respite for all.
Lovely bit of skill from try-scorer Hugo McLaughlin, who gathers his own chip and chase with the help of a very generous bounce, but a knock-on warrants another Scottish scrum, which they win another penalty from! McLean launches one upfield, line-out not a mile away from Ireland’s try line.
Jack Brown, the full-back on debut, hoofs one up the pitch and perhaps out of frustration, Ireland’s opposing number Ben O’Connor kicks out on the full. Scotland line-out about 10 metres inside the hosts’ half.
For all certainty, Ireland winger Finn Treacy looks to dot down his own kick through but Andy McLean, playing the sweeper role with aplomb, races across to cover and get to the ball first. Ireland scrum, however.
Penalty Ireland which is put into a handy touch, but Scotland have enjoyed plenty possession and territory in the opening exchanges.
Ireland look like they’re about to rumble over through Joe Hopes but the second row is held up en masse and Scotland have the put-in to the resulting scrum.
The Under-20 Six Nations culminates this evening, Scotland seeking a performance to carry into this summer’s Junior World Trophy, which will be held at our own Hive Stadium in Edinburgh. Ireland are seeking a third straight championship so will prove the sternest of opposition, so Scotland will need their very best performance to compete.
Andy McLean gets us up and running, his kick-off safely pouched and cleared.
Ireland can’t make inroads from another attacking line-out, scrum-half Hector Patterson landing an excellent clearance. The home side are beginning to dictate proceedings but Scotland are rallying.
An amendment to Scotland’s team sheet for this evening’s match, as Isaac Coates has been ruled out through injury. Andrew McLean takes the 10 shirt in Coates’ stead, Finn Douglas moves to 22 and Kerr Yule joins the replacements’ bench as number 23.
It’s Scotland U20s final match in this year’s U20 Six Nations against Ireland in Cork later.
Kick-off is at 7pm and you can watch the game live on BBC iPlayer and follow the action right here.
Here is a reminder of your Scotland U20 team which will take on Ireland U20 tonight.
Kick-off 7:00 pm