Ireland beat Scotland 22-15 in a bruising Six Nations clash yesterday to close in on a first championship in 24 years and edge within one victory of repeating its one and only grand slam of 1948.
A powerful Scottish effort gave the home side a 12-9 advantage at the break after fullback Chris Paterson outkicked Irish flyhalf Ronan O’Gara by four penalties to three.
Ireland’s recalled scrumhalf Peter Stringer sent replacement number eight Jamie Heaslip away for his second try of the campaign and O’Gara followed up his conversion with a drop goal. He traded penalties with Paterson before the visitors saw the game out.
Ireland faces defending champions Wales in Cardiff next week with a two-point lead on top of the standings and a much greater points-difference advantage as it hopes to at least end its long championship drought.
Time:
03:50
Credit:
Reuters
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