Ireland 31-16 Scotland: Andy Farrell’s side secure third place in Autumn Nations Cup

Ireland secured third place in the Autumn Nations Cup after overcoming a spirited Scotland display in a 31-16 victory at the Aviva Stadium.

The home side narrowly edged a competitive encounter in Dublin, with Keith Earls crossing over twice at crucial moments when Scotland were threatening to take over in the game.  

It was encouraging display from Gregor Townsend‘s side, with debutant fly-half Jaco van der Walt and winger Duhan van der Merwe making impressive contributions, but Ireland proved too strong once going ahead and were able to see out the game.

Ireland secured third place in the Autumn Nations Cup after a 31-16 victory over Scotland

Keith Earls scored twice for Ireland as they were able to see out a tough test vs Scotland

A sluggish start from the home side saw Scotland look the more dangerous side through  the energy of debutant Jaco Van der Walt and Stuart Hogg, with the former getting his first international points with two penalties.

After missing his first kick of the game, Jonny Sexton halved the deficit for Ireland it did not give them the impact they hope as Scotland’s threat continued, with Van de Walt adding another three points from a resulting penalty.

The South African fly-half, who qualifies to play for Scotland through residency, impressed more and more in the first half after a superb kick for territory to put Ireland under further pressure.

Scotland made a bright start to the game through the running of Stuart Hogg in the first half

The momentum shifted to Ireland after a sin bin for a deliberate knock-on saw Duncan Taylor

A deliberate knock-on by Duncan Taylor which stifled Ireland’s first real attack saw the inside centre sin-binned and it proved pivotal, allowing Sexton to close the gap to 6-9 within the final 10 minutes of the half before Ireland came alive with a man up.

Sexton’s up and under kick over the try line was bundled out of the dominant Robbie Henshaw’s grasp but pounced on by Earls to give his side the 11-9 lead going into the break.

Another lapse of concentration, this time by Hogg allowed Ireland to stretch their lead after the break. The Irish forward line was able to power through and eventually Cian Healy crossed over.

The try came at a crucial time for Ireland as they made the most of numerical advantage

Just as Ireland were gaining control, fast break from Duhan van der Merwe saw them close gap

The winger flew past the onrushing defence to reduce Ireland’s lead to 25-16 in second half

The momentum saw Ireland look a completely different team and a kick to the corner before a flowing move through the hands saw Earls grab his second of the game which Sexton converted well to give them a commanding 25-9 lead.

But a superb break and try from a ruck pick-up saw the impressive Duhan van der Merwe beat the onrushing Ireland defence and put Scotland right back in the tie and shift momentum right back in Scotland’s favour.

A series of penalty wins began to get Ireland into some much-needed control, and Sexton managed to extend their tally to 28 going into the final 10 minutes. Peter O’Mahony thought he had made sure of the win with a score in the corner, but was judged to have just stepped out.