Scotland update

Scotland update

Scotland update

Scotland showed glimpses of improvement, but ultimately were defeated by Ireland in the RBS 6 Nations on Sunday.

Although Scotland didn't touch down at any point in the game, they were able to keep the scoreboard within touching distance throughout, with a series of penalties from fullback, Paterson, and a penalty and sharp drop goal from replacement stand-off, Dan Parks. Ireland crossed the whitewash three times with tries from Jamie Heaslip, Eoin Reddan and Ronan O' Gara.

It was another frustrating day for the home support all the more given that Ireland were guilty of a 13-4 penalty count many of the penalties when they slowed up Scotland's attempts to win quick ball at breakdown yet, somewhat incongruously, referee Nigel Owens chose to yellow card Scotland prop Allan Jacobsen for a technical offence at a scrum early in the second-half.

The hosts emerged confident and their heads didn't slump after an early try from Irish number eight, Heaslip. Throughout the match Scotland ran the ball well and were powerful up front, dominating the rucks and mauls and always making yards.

The crowd sensed momentum was turning in Scotland's favour inside the final quarter. Parks' sweetly struck drop-goal his 14th for Scotland narrowing the gap to three points with ten minutes remaining. Yet the coup de grace proved as elusive as a lottery win and little lapses of concentration, which have pock-marked Scotland's Six Nations campaign, struck anew.

On the whole Scotland showed improvement from their previous encounter with Wales. There were terrific performances from a series of players, notably Richie Gray who dominated in the lineout and who stole a number of Irish throws, while at centre, Sean Lamont, and on the wing, Max Evans, were slick and sought to be destructive with their forward force.

Scotland Head Coach, Andy Robinson reflected: "We gave away three or four penalties, we made three very basic errors and those cost us."

Robinson had issues with Ireland's high penalty count and the absence of any yellow-card retribution from referee Owens in that regard. Yet he steadfastly refused to absolve Scotland of responsibility for the defeat, while praising the Irish performance.

Captain Al Kellock added: "We made mistakes, we had lapses in concentration and you just can't do that in an international. It's disappointing to lose matches but a far better performance than two weeks ago.It's about moving forward now and looking ahead to Twickenham."

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