Ireland kept their Six Nations Grand Slam ambitions alive with a dominant 32-18 triumph over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday, delivering a powerful display of precision, resilience, and attacking brilliance.
Tries from Calvin Nash, captain Caelan Doris, James Lowe, and Jack Conan, combined with 12 points from the boot of young fly-half Sam Prendergast, ensured Ireland remained the only unbeaten team after the opening two rounds of the tournament.
From the outset, Ireland controlled the game, applying relentless pressure through both their forwards and backs. Scotland managed tries through Duhan van der Merwe, who produced a stunning one-handed airborne finish in the corner, and a late consolation score from Ben White, but Ireland’s superiority never wavered.
Ireland remained undeterred and struck again in the 31st minute, this time through their captain. Doris powered over the line after a series of punishing forward drives, extending the visitors’ advantage to 17-0.
Buoyed by that moment, Scotland clawed their way back further early in the second half, as Blair Kinghorn slotted two penalties, reducing the gap to 17-11 and igniting hope among the 67,000-strong home crowd.
Prendergast, the 21-year-old debutant, continued to impress, adding his second penalty in the 70th minute, alongside his three earlier conversions, to give Ireland a commanding 32-11 cushion.
Although Ben White darted through to score in the 75th minute, it was little more than a consolation for Scotland, who had endured a bruising encounter.
Tries from Calvin Nash, captain Caelan Doris, James Lowe, and Jack Conan, combined with 12 points from the boot of young fly-half Sam Prendergast, ensured Ireland remained the only unbeaten team after the opening two rounds of the tournament.
From the outset, Ireland controlled the game, applying relentless pressure through both their forwards and backs. Scotland managed tries through Duhan van der Merwe, who produced a stunning one-handed airborne finish in the corner, and a late consolation score from Ben White, but Ireland’s superiority never wavered.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Ireland wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the 8th minute when Prendergast’s long, looping pass found Nash in acres of space after Scotland’s defence was drawn inward. Nash nearly added a second five minutes later, but was illegally obstructed by Van der Merwe as he chased a kick through. The Scottish winger received a yellow card for tackling without the ball, though no penalty try was awarded.Ireland remained undeterred and struck again in the 31st minute, this time through their captain. Doris powered over the line after a series of punishing forward drives, extending the visitors’ advantage to 17-0.
Scotland Responds But Ireland Remains in Control
Scotland found a rare attacking spark just before halftime, capitalizing on an Irish maul infringement to shift the ball wide. Stafford McDowall’s clever backhand pass sent Van der Merwe flying into the air for a spectacular acrobatic finish—his record-extending 31st try for Scotland—cutting the deficit to 17-5 at the break.Buoyed by that moment, Scotland clawed their way back further early in the second half, as Blair Kinghorn slotted two penalties, reducing the gap to 17-11 and igniting hope among the 67,000-strong home crowd.
Ireland Crushes Comeback Hopes
Any Scottish optimism was swiftly extinguished, however, as Lowe powered over in the 54th minute, followed by Conan’s try just five minutes later, reasserting Ireland’s authority and extending their lead beyond reach.Prendergast, the 21-year-old debutant, continued to impress, adding his second penalty in the 70th minute, alongside his three earlier conversions, to give Ireland a commanding 32-11 cushion.
Although Ben White darted through to score in the 75th minute, it was little more than a consolation for Scotland, who had endured a bruising encounter.
