Scotland 15 Ireland 22

Published on Saturday 14 March 2009 19:14

Failure to capitalise on their only two scoring chances cost Scotland dearly today at Murrayfield where they lost 15-22 to an Ireland side whose grand slam hopes now go on the line in Wales next week.

The Scots started with a bang and winger Simon Danielli was tap tackled tantalisingly short of the Irish line after 90 seconds.

Then, as an engrossing opening half drew to a close, Thom Evans gathered his own kick ahead in attacking up the opposite touchline and amidst scrambled defence Ireland only just bundled the dangerman into touch.

Apart from that it was the same old story of a Scotland side enjoying adequate possession but lacking a cutting edge.

So much so that they had to rely on the boot of Chris Paterson for all their points with five penalties and on the grounds that they conjured up the only try - by sub. Jamie Heaslip from a break by Peter Stringer - the Irish were worth their success.

That touchdown, in the 50th minute, gave the lead for the first time to an Irish side who had turned 9-12 adrift, Ronan O'Gara kicking three penalties on the way to overhauling England's Jonny Wilkinson and becoming the top points scorer in Six Nations history finishing up on 492 as he added a conversion, a drop goal and a penalty in the second half.

As for the Scots they now have a week before visiting England where they haven't won since 1983.

To make matters worse skipper and scrum half Mike Blair must be doubtful after leaving the field after 51 minutes with what seemed like a rib injury.

On a day when too many Scottish line-outs went astray and familiar handling errors re-surfaced there were some successes though.

Phil Godman tackled his heart out albeit much good work was undone by a late guddle in which he seemed to lose bearings in his own "22" and almost conceded a needless try while Jim Hamilton proved an effective ball-carrier.

It was far too little to trouble the Irish and as an added concern the Scottish scrum was regularly penalised while they lost theri own line-out four times and had seven turnovers against them.