6 Nations: Ireland narrowly approach the Grand Slam by beating Scotland 22-7

Adriana Lima
By Adriana Lima 5 Min Read
origin 1Scotland center Matt Fagerson is tackled during the Six Nations rugby union international match between Scotland and Ireland at BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. © AP Photo

The Irish are one victory away from a Grand Slam in the Six Nations.

By overcoming Scotland 22-7 at Murrayfield on Sunday, Ireland secured a fourth consecutive league win to take them on 19 points, just four clear of holders France.

The French are the only team capable of preventing Andy Farrell’s relentless side from claiming their first Six Nations title since 2018. That would require Ireland losing in the Lansdowne Road fortress to visit England and France who beat Wales in a match to take place a few hours before next Saturday.

England are coming off a record 53-10 defeat to France in Round 4.

Scotland’s 12th defeat in their last 13 meetings with Ireland ended the hosts’ title challenge, although the result hung in the balance at half-time with the Irish leading only 8-7 through Mack Hansen who slipped into the right corner for a try in the 28th minute.

Ireland showed their experience and class in the second half, with two quick tries around the hour mark dashing the hopes of the Scots, who failed to score a point after the break.

origin 1Scotland’s Kyle Steyn, right, recovers the ball, during the Six Nations rugby union international match between Scotland and Ireland at BT Murrayfield Stadium, in Edinburgh.AP Photo

“At halftime, we said this is where we want to be,” said Hansen. “We thought we’d turn it on in the second half.”

After Hansen caught an up-and-under down the right wing, the ball was recycled down the left and, after a series of runs, Jamison Gibson-Park’s bad pass found full-back James Lowe, who broke through in a challenge on the ground in the corner in the 57th minute.

Five minutes later, Hansen also played a key role in Ireland’s third try, putting in Jack Conan on the right wing. The back-row striker was supposed to hold off the huge figure of Duhan van der Merwe, but he did and cleared the line.

It took another go at it to claim a fourth consecutive bonus point win in this tournament and it almost came after a move down the field. It ended with flanker James Ryan tackled from around five yards out and his offload avoiding Lowe.

Irish center Garry Ringrose will certainly not play against England next weekend after falling unconscious during a tackle with around 10 minutes remaining.

origin 1Ireland’s Mack Hansen is tackled by Scotland’s Scott Cummings, during the Six Nations rugby union international match between Scotland and Ireland at BT Murrayfield StadiumAP Photo

After a long period of treatment, he was carried away on a stretcher to applause on the ground.

Ireland also lost strikers Caelan Doris, Dan Sheehan and Iain Henderson to injury in the first 25 minutes of a bruising match.

“We knew this was going to be our toughest game of the year,” Hansen said. “To be fair to the Scottish lads, they showed up – it was such a tough test match.”

Ireland captain Jonathan Sexton couldn’t wait until next weekend.

“We will play against an English team who are suffering and for whom we have great respect,” he said. “The Irish will be supporting us next week. We can’t wait.”

The last of Ireland’s three Grand Slams in the championship was in 2018.

For Scotland, it was back-to-back defeats after starting the tournament with victories over England and Wales. Italy are guests in Round 5.

“Just frustration at not having put our game on the field,” said Scotland coach Gregor Townsend.

“What we wanted today was a full 80 minute performance. We only took him for 40. We know we have to play well next week. Italy arrives here with nothing to lose.”

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