Ireland Back On Track Thanks To Murphy Masterclass

Ireland 34 Scotland 13

By Dermot Kavanagh

The opening ten minutes of this game at Croke Park gave no indication of what was to follow. In that period Scotland entirely dominated all stages of play but couldn't cross the Irish line to make their dominance reflect on the score board. Scotland matched Ireland in the scrums but were totally overpowering in the line-outs winning not only their own ball but stealing Ireland's ball on three occasions.

Just when it appeared that Ireland would repeat the lacklustre performance of the Italian match and the first half of the French game, they began to assert themselves, a change in approach to which a very mediocre Scottish team had no answer.

Leading the charge for Ireland was full-back Geordan Murphy. Murphy gave a masterful exhibition of full-back play. He defended stoutly when called upon, he tackled intelligently and was impeccable and unyielding under the dropping ball. It would be sporting tragedy if Murphy is not retained for the Welsh match but that scenario is a possibility. He had a direct hand in three of Ireland's tries.

Ireland's half-time lead of 14-6 did not do justice to Scotland's early flourish but the visitor's inability to score will always cost them dearly.

It was expected, and hoped, that Scotland would stage a second-half revival.

However the reverse happened and the game was as good as over as early as the forty-first minute when Horan fielded a cross kick from O'Gara to touch down for an opportunistic try.

O'Gara shortly afterwards converted a penalty and Scotland were now sixteen points behind (22-6) and looked dead and buried. However, when Webster scored Scotland's try (their first to-date in the Championship) they were back in the game. But before Scotland could build on Webster's try, Bowe crossed for his first and Ireland's fourth in the sixtieth minute to effectively close out the game (28-13).

Bowe's second try in the last minute was of statistical value only. Ireland overall were just about as efficient as the day required.

In addition to Murphy, Bowe and Carney looked impressive. Of significance to Ireland's future interests in the championships was the return of replacement Paul O'Connell.

Ireland will now face Wales at Croke Park in two weeks time in what should be the game of the championship.

Wales will be challenging for the Triple Crown while Ireland will be hoping to overturn them and make their game away to England on March 15th their target to claim the Triple Crown for the fourth time in five years.