Scotland are finding it difficult against a physical Ireland team, in their Six Nations match.
Early Pressure from Ireland
There was a great contest as Tommy O’Brien and Blair Kinghorn both went for the ball, but the Scottish full-back touched it over the line. Ireland have the throw on halfway. It’s just not working out for Scotland at the moment.
Finn Russell’s kick was charged down by McCloskey, but Scotland managed to regather the ball. Ireland only need one more try for the all-important bonus point, a quarter into the game.
Scotland win the throw but Ireland are straight in to hold the ball up. It’s not going anywhere, so Luke Pearce blows for the scrum.
Joe McCarthy was right in the middle of it all. Scotland still have it five metres out but a huge tackle from Stuart McCloskey forces the turnover.
Baloucoune’s Try Extends Ireland’s Lead
Ireland played it from the back of the scrum and McCloskey whipped a stunning pass out to Baloucoune. He puts on the afterburners and beats Darcy Graham to touch down in the corner. The try was good after review.
Jack Crowley’s conversion was wide.
Former Ireland winger Tommy Bowe said, what a finish by Baloucoune, who had to be brave and go for the five points. Former Glasgow Warriors back Colin Gregor said it’s smart to give Baloucoune space and he makes the most of it, adding that Robert Baloucoune is rapid.
Scotland’s Struggle for Momentum
Former Scotland prop Peter Wright said Scotland are struggling to cope with Ireland’s physicality. George Turner is off for a HIA and Ewan Ashman is on in his place. It looked like a bit of friendly fire as a few Scottish players looked to tackle Doris.
Play is stopped by Pearce as George Turner was down and needed treatment in the path of the Irish backline.
Scotland can’t replicate Ireland’s latest try and have to move it out of the maul and into the backline. It’s a bit messy but they are right on the Irish line.
Brief Glimmers of Scottish Offence
Ireland give away a penalty at the ruck and Russell brings Scotland up to about 10 metres out. That’s a lovely kick.
Garry Ringrose looked to break away but he was chopped down. Ireland clear and Scotland will have the throw, but back on halfway.
Former Ireland winger Tommy Bowe said that Scotland are bringing that intensity that they’re so good at. Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu was tackled by Ireland’s Garry Ringrose.
Scotland have shown they can weather early setbacks this year and fight back.
Former Glasgow Warriors back Colin Gregor said that when you make an error, don’t compound it with another one, saying that’s the frustration for Scotland. Ireland win the free-kick from the scrum and McCloskey goes quickly.
Former Glasgow Warriors back Colin Gregor said this has 12-try draw written all over it!