Scotland v Ireland Six Nations Rugby

By trains, boats and planes, they've come from all over Ireland, buoyed

by the autumn victory over the All Blacks and thinking this could be

the year of a Grand Slam showdown against England in six weeks' time.

Before that, their coach is having to take each game as it comes.

Scotland- Ireland is the curtain raiser, keen to go out to lay down

the standard for the rest to follow? Yes, I guess we are always keen, I

know Scotland will be as well and I hope it does set a bit of a standard

for the way the games are played. I know that both teams are looking

forward to being as positive as they can, but I know conditions are

tricky but we will play with positive endeavour. You have claimed

some significant scouts in the last six months, not least New Zealand.

Does that raise expectations that you must play like that over time?

That is our hope. We may have caught New Zealand on a bit of an off day

and if we Catchpole and on a really good day I don't think there is that

much difference between the top eight teams. The margins are so

small. We know they are going to be good today and for us Sarr

expectation is that it's going to be an incredibly tough game and we have

to be really on our mettle to win it. Will there be more pressure on

Murray at scrum-half without Sexton? He has been really good and he is

motivated for today like all of the players. We have confidence in Paddy

Jackson and we have other guys who can kick the ball. Hopefully we can

cover the bases with a fair bit of support for him and for Paddy. Paddy

has started five of the last seven Test matches for us. Good luck

today. Thanks. As we have mentioned a couple of times there will be a

recurring subplot throughout the Six Nations about who might be going on

the last tour in the summer. Sonia asked Joe Schmidt about Conor

Murray. Amongst the list of people who are honours -- as good as on the

plane it has to be Conor Murray. Hello, how are you doing? Great to

see you. I'm good, thanks. Get out! Do you fill that rugby never stops,

it's always the next big thing? Can you enjoy it? It's something I've

consciously worked on in my mind to kind of correct, or try and enjoy

things a little bit more because you see some players that I just

shadowed by the pressure, or whatever. I just want to make sure I

enjoyed it because hopefully on Saturday you run out on Murrayfield

to a packed stadium. To not enjoy that is such a shame. Did you go a

bit wild after Chicago? We had a few Guinness, which was great. Special

day, special, special day. The week felt a bit weird from

coming from Munster and Axel passing and to go straight into another camp

and have that in your head was a bit weird but from the beginning of the

game, the national anthems and the Haka and the emotion that built up

in that game you realise when standing in the figure of eight you

are hearing the crowd recognise what it was, there was a bit of a raw and

it felt like a really powerful thing to do. The image was spine tingling.

-- roar. To put in a performance like that was the best sporting

moment of my life. Sometimes you try and be a bit humble about it. But

that was my best performance in a green shirt. Nobody ever wants to

say I'm great, and the best in the world, unless you are Muhammad Ali

or someone like that but you are named in that fashion now. How do

you deal with that? Axel used to say you are never as good as they say

you are or as bad as they say you are so you have to find somewhere in

the middle. To be mentioned like that is great, it means the hard

work is being seen by people on the outside which is great. Maybe when

I'm finished you can really look back and say that was a great day,

that was a good few months of my career, I was in good form. But

right now it is weak in and week out and trying to stay at the level. The

perception I've always had a view is you are a reluctant leader, is that

fair? Your personality comes out, at school my teacher said to me if you

want to play scrum-half or in that area you will have to speak up and

it's something I've definitely had to focus on and try and get better

at, but at the same time don't try and change yourself. If you really

force it... I am who I am for a reason.

There he is, a very level-headed guy, but absolutely key pivot to the

Irish team. He is, he is very comfortable and leads by his actions

on the field. I don't think he is a particular shouter or talks too

much, he's very structured in what he does but he has a great engine.

He is still going at 78, 79, 80 minutes, you will find, doing the

right thing at the right time. But his defence as well is incredibly

keen for the Manning which Ireland plate. He is one half of the

half-backs partnership that would normally be Johnny Sexton but Paddy

Jackson is the man who fills that birth today because Sexton is

injured. Is that a key, do you think, potentially match defining

injury? To those who don't know the game particularly well it could

become a Johnny Sexton is an outstanding player. And a well-known

player, as is Paddy Jackson. Paddy Jackson has played a lot for Ireland

through the summer against South Africa, started against Australia,

came on after 25 minutes against New Zealand and carried the same form

that Johnny Sexton has. He is a tremendous player. He kicks 87% as

well. He plays an awful lot of the last few games for Ireland,

everybody looks at Johnny Sexton, the big name up in lights and

thinking he is missing and there will be a big hole but this guy is a

more natural ten than Johnny Sexton. He isn't as good as Johnny Sexton

but the team play a little bit freer when he plays. When you say he is

not as good as Johnny Sexton I would say he's not as experienced, I think

the talent in his ability to run and sidestep and see the gaps, I think

it is a good thing for Ireland that Scotland will know more about Sexton

and less about Jackson in this scenario. Five seconds, here is

Garry Ringrose. He's the first Garry Ringrose. From a Scottish

perspective, the one statistic they look at that cast a huge dark cloud

over them is the fact that only once in their history in the whole of the

Six Nations have a won their opening match of the tournament. These days

this is a different Scotland who have strength in depth, confidence

and they are ready to get departing coach Vern Cotter off on a good

sendoff. Vern is it strange going into the

Six Nations championship knowing it is your last one? I haven't given it

much thought, the last game it will sink in but I am firmly focused on

this game. It is a big game to start with. The whole thing has been about

preparing well for this. There is a real sense of optimism

around Scottish Rugby. Do you think you can convert that into the first

win on the opening day for many a year? That's the intention, to go

out there and win the game. We are playing a very good team and a lot

of things have been said, everybody would like to see us do this, most

of all us, but we know we are playing a good team and we will have

to be at the top of our game. Stuart Hogg is hotly tipped to make the

Lions team this summer. What is he likely to bring to Scotland today?

We know what he can do, he brings the ball up fairly quick on

counterattack situations, the long kicking game, which will be

important, because the ball is slippery. The rain should stop but

it has been raining this morning so our tactics have changed. Today has

not been what it has been like all week so there have been a few tweaks

done. The guys are really up for it and hopefully they will put in a

good performance. Good luck. Thank you.

It is quite a pleasant afternoon and the rain has stopped, it will be

greasy on the pitch but it is not as cold as we were expecting. Andy

Nicholls will be part of the commentary team, welcome to another

Six Nations. Vern Cotter's last Six Nations. He gave an interesting

interview a of weeks ago. Doesn't have any bearing on the way Scotland

will play today going forward? I don't think it does. It is a strange

set of circumstances because normally a coach has left when he is

not been doing well. Over the last 18 months the players have really

been buying into what Vern Cotter is trying to get across and there is a

real alignment and these players love playing for Vern Cotter so I

think they will be even more motivated in the next five games to

send him off on a high. We talked about Conor Murray, the number nine

for Ireland, but what about Greig Laidlaw as captain and the performer

and pivot of this Scottish team. One of his most important traits for the

team is his leadership. It is a fairly inexperienced side but he

brings that real sense of leadership, and also he is the

points scorer with his goal-kicking. He is so important. Alec Price is on

the bench and playing well for Glasgow but I think you will see

Greig Laidlaw play most of the match because I think it will be tight and

his goal-kicking could be what Scotland need at the end. If they

need to come back after a few points down then Ali Price gives a

different option off the bench. Vern Cotter has really leaned on Greig

Laidlaw on his tenure here and he is his go to man and he is important

for Scotland. If Scotland are looking for somebody

with the panache and flair, if you like, to ignite the game in the

closing stages that is obviously the man, Stuart Hogg with dazzling

footwork and electric pace. Again, going back to the subject of the

Lions, you would think he has a very good chance of being a starting

full-back, or maybe perhaps even on the wing for the Lions in the

summer. Scottish players have been involved in the starting line-up for

Lions teams in recent Taurus, few and far between. The halcyon days of

Gavin Hastings, Tom Smith was very important in South Africa in 1997,

Tom Smith on his own in 2001 but the last three Lions tours there has not

been a single Scottish player who has been an automatic starting

player for any of the subsequent Lions coaches. You would think

Stuart Hogg is going to be very much in the mix for that and he and Lee

McKenzie went for a walk around the outside pitches here at Murrayfield.

# Can we bring yesterday around # Because I know how I feel about

you now stop # Steward, you are only 24 but it

feels you have been around for ages, are you an old head on young

shoulders. I look old! I tend to hang around

with older guys in the squad, Greig Laidlaw, Ross Ford, I like to pick

the bones from them and listen to their chat. I am fairly experienced

and if I can help out in any way, shape or form that is what I'm here

to do. Does being a father helped with the sense of responsibility?

Yes, obviously I have the wee boy, Archie, 14 months now, and another

kid in a few weeks' time. I think I had to mature fairly quick. I love

seeing the camaraderie between you and the boys, not just on the pitch

but also on social media. You seem to all get on very well with each

other. Yes, I think that is shown on social

media. Sometimes we don't get on with each other.

Oh! LAUGHTER

EXPLETIVE Bartlett scared me during the week. For me it is challenge

accented and it is my turn. You probably don't want to talk

about this but I'm going to ask about the Lions. How much does it

mean to get that jersey again? It is first and foremost getting in

a Scotland 15 jersey and expressing myself and having some fun. If I'm

good enough to be there than perfect.

In terms of Glasgow and Edinburgh, their performances have been pretty

strong throughout the last few months. Does that help create a real

sense of optimism? Certainly, I think there was a stat

come out the other day, 33 out of the 37 boys involved in the final

stages of Europe, so everybody has been playing well and been

performing. It is a tricky time for the coaches to select the 23. Where

do you think Scotland has improved? What have you guys been working on

since the autumn internationals? I think for us everything starts up

front. If we get our set pieces, scrum and line-out right and get

good go forward off the back of that we can release the ball to our

backs. We have a good old back line these days and if we get the boys

the space the damage is going to happen. As I say everything starts

up front, everybody has a job to do and if everybody does that we are in

a good place. # I feel about you now #

Fantastic aerial shot of Murrayfield on the opening of RBS Six Nations

2017. Nobody better to talk about him than a man who played over 100

times for his country. What brings the extra pizzazz to the number 15

jersey? A lot of it is his confidence and attitude to play but

he's very skilful. This is the counterattack last year against

Ireland, he scans for the two front row forwards and then his pace and

ability to execute it and finish from long range is electric, and

also he has four of his Glasgow Warriors team-mates alongside him

this afternoon working really well together. The big thing for me for

Stuart Hogg over the last two years is his majority. He's only 24 but

you think back to the red card in Wales, he's a completely different

person. A couple of years younger than him is Huw Jones in the centre.

As a centre yourself how impressed were you by the way he surged onto

the in Sam Rush not seem -- the way he surged onto the international

scene. He is elusive. With such inexperience, to come into these

situations and play as if he's been there such a long time is

impressive. It is good to see him taking hold and really having a go.

The youngsters, the inexperience, you don't get sucked in by the

occasion. You really want to get the ball and show why you've been

selected and he has done that. In the autumn he had a chance and took

the chance and he wasn't fazed by everything going on. He also seemed

unfazed by the fact Scotland hadn't been playing well. This is a new

team, new players, he is confident in his ability. His big point of

difference is his speed, he is electric and quick with his running.

He has not played since the Argentina team when he had a foot

injury. He has not played but no doubt he will come out and played

impeccably and fast for Scotland. CHEERING

You can hear the huge ovation for the teams of Scotland and Ireland as

they take to the field at Murrayfield for the opening game of

the RBS Six Nations championship. Tomasz Schafernaker, or whoever it

was on the BBC weather forecast last night, they were expecting to run

out into torrential rain but it is winter sunshine and it is a glorious

afternoon. For watching and more importantly for playing. We might

have had a stodgy start for the Six Nations but no excuse this afternoon

for having a really good compelling contest between these sides. If you

are looking you watch and thinking they don't kick off until 2:30pm and

it is a bit early, they are out early because both sides will be

presented to the patron of the Scottish Rugby union, that Princess

Royal am a regular attendee at Murrayfield and has been for many

years. If we are just talking in general terms about the

championship, I know you can use facts and figures to prove anything

who want. But almost all of the Six Nations Championships barring a

couple have been won by the team that has conceded the fewest tries.

Is that the base from which you start? You don't concede tries

therefore you win matches? You do and that's one of the difficulties,

don't concede tries is almost a negative, and you are trying to play

positive from the start. You can lose the championship very early on

by not having your concentration right, by not having the structures

in the right place. One of the glorious things of this tournament

is the atmosphere, the hype, but it also is the sense of ambition you

need to have, you need to get off to a good winning start. If you look at

all the stats you have to win on the first weekend to go on to win the

trophy. Does that drive people by and large down a pragmatic route on

the first day? I suppose it does in many ways. Those who have the

courage to rise above that and do what is the right thing to do in

that situation will come out on top. You are right that championship

teams, successful teams are built on good defence, that must be the

bedrock of what you do, but making the right decision at the right

time, being more evasive and given the extra paths if it is on is the

courage you need, courage is often viewed upon as who can hit hardest,

or who can get up after being hit but courage in decision making and

taking a risk can lead to good attacking powers. The game has

expanded from defence, if you think teams are looking to score 25-35

points, you've got to score tries, so the emphasis is on attack, how

can you create that space? How can you get those good players, the game

breakers, into it? If you watched Ireland against New Zealand in

Chicago, the intelligence with which they played, the way they spread the

ball, they spread New Zealand and looked for the gaps, they are such a

smart team scored 40 points against the All Blacks, you've got to score

to win, don't you? Absolutely, there has been a change over the last two

or three years as the game has moved. From the northern hemisphere

teams in the World Cup it was a little bit too early for them. Since

then there is more ambition, the greater sense of urgency of racking

up points. The often levelled is that it is too robotic and

repetitive but it was interesting hearing Eddie Jones with Sonia in

Portugal saying he thinks the game is more chaotic than it's ever been

before. Would you go along with that? I guess he is saying it from a

structural point of view, look how many moves you've got to think that

as a player. The coaches are imparting that knowledge to the

players, talking about three or four set plays and we just used to have

one. It is chaotic but the best teams play in a simplified way. It

is the phases and amount of phases. Three, four, five phases. But you

get 17, 18, 19 phases and still expect the teams to defend and

attack and play accordingly. That is the change and that is where the

chaotic nature comes from. The analysis is so good these days

everybody knows what is coming so you need the chaos to bring

something new to the party and I think we will see that from two

innovative coaches on the opening weekend of the Six Nations and I'm

sure we will see something we haven't seen before the catch is

somebody out. Long conversations going on here. And a bit of hilarity

as well. It is all very relaxed. I thought Vern Cotter was more relaxed

in his pre-match interview as well so maybe it is rubbing off on the

players. Greig Laidlaw can often be quite cranky, he is a grumpy nine.

Who will win? It will be Ireland on form. Scotland are on the up but

they have such a confidence hurdle to get over. Tight, tight, tight,

Ireland by three or four points. Tight, tight, tight whatever. This

competition is officially declared the best attended sporting event in

the world. Here we go with the anthems for the first match in this

year's RBS Six Nations. # Come the day and come the hour

Come the power and the glory # We have come to answer

Our country's call # From the four proud

provinces of Ireland # Ireland, Ireland

Together standing tall # Shoulder to shoulder We'll

answer Ireland's call # Ireland, Ireland

Together standing tall # Shoulder to shoulder We'll

The 18th Six Nations championship begins at Murrayfield with

commentary from Paul O'Connell, Andy Nicol and Andrew Cotter.

Scotland's eternal son of hope and genuine belief and optimism for the

home side tempered by a couple of absentee is, in the front row, much

is made of the talent of Zander Fagerson who has just turned 21,

Brown gets the nod ahead of Ross Ford with Allan Dell winning his

fourth cap, each member of the front row start of the Six Nations game

for the first time. In the back row Josh Strauss, big ball-carrier,

number eight, back line bringing Dummett brimming with talent. Huw

Jones has not played since a foot injury against Argentina but will be

a marked man after an outstanding display in November. As for Ireland

at tight head Tadhg Furlong, so impressive, Anderson and Devin Toner

will relish their appearances. CJ Stander on the blindside is a real

threat and a very strong back row. Behind the scrum, no sexton at

fly-half but Paddy Jackson is almost a regular test starter of late. In

the centre great thing is expected of Garry Ringrose, the younger and

less experienced of the Leinster partnership with Robbie Henshaw. A

high-class back three, all very comfortable under high ball as well,

looking for those today under the swirling breeze. The replacements

show some depth available to both sides in some positions, but

Scotland looked thinner in the front row cover where they should be a

first cap for Berghan. Scotland gathering in a huddle as the

countdown continues to the start of the Six Nations. The referee for

this one is Romain Poite. A full deck of cards, no doubt, in his

pocket. We will look for the new laws and interpretations but we hope

for an entertaining game. Conditions are fine now. That tackle laws, the

bonus points, the players from all corners of the globe, but the

excitement of the Six Nations remains a constant. And what a game

to get as underway at Murrayfield. Romain Poite says to Finn Russell,

"I'm ready." We are underway in the 2017 RBS Six

Nations. Finds Zebo initially. He bounces straight into Allan Dell.

Scotland with fierce early tackles trying to peg Ireland back and back

it goes to Carney. Down on the pitch before kick-off I noticed it was a

southerly wind -- Kearney. Scotland will have the slight breeze

advantage in the first half. It does swirl around here, no doubt. That

was a good physical start in defence by Scotland. They will be pleased to

get the first big hit put in. Ireland might have gone through a

few more phases but they were on the back foot and Scotland have a good

attacking line-out. Brown goes to the front and two Richie Gray

waiting there. The little knock-on there. The first scrum of the match

and it is Irish ball and Paul O'Connell is looking forward to

seeing how the scrums go today. The perceived wisdom is Ireland have the

upper hand. Yes, I suppose it's a big challenge for Zander Fagerson,

so young, tightheads normally develop later so this is a big day

for him. The young guy on the other side in Tadhg Furlong for Ireland.

It will be an interesting battle. Ireland have the weighted advantage.

Always tells a little story. A good view from the spider cam overhead.

The front rows come together for the first time. Marie Waits and feeds.

-- Murray waits. Nothing going on yet. Ireland looking for the first

penalty, a big marker laid down. Massive moment. Normally hear you

are trying to exit from your own half of the pitch. You going to

Whitfield and kick it long, if you get a penalty is the best way, get

the ball back again 40 metres down the field. The contrast between the

sides, the ball went in and Ireland were happy the scrum to take long as

possible. Scotland will want to see the converse, get the ball in and

out and Fraser Brown to put it and get the ball away as quickly as

possible because you saw the advantage Ireland have. Daily are

the Irish ball, Irish line-out, the first chance for Ireland to attack.

If their captain Rory Best can find his target. Which he does. The ball

is back for Murray. Fed back now for Sean O'Brien. Big hits coming in.

Ireland, can they lift the pace. Heaslip with an early carry? Quick

ball for Ireland again, battling their way through CJ Stander, so

impressive in the autumn. Back it comes to Heaslip once more. And into

Fagerson and Richie Gray, but Ireland still with the ball and

attacking and hanging onto it now as Henshaw lays it back, a little bit

untidily, eventually. The turnover. Laidlaw can fire their Scottish

backline and wide it goes to Huw Jones. Jones may have looked to pass

in front to Maitland but Maitland galloping onto it and Scotland have

a chance. Russell onto Fagerson and beyond it goes. And now Scotland

have meant out wide but the little knock-on and off Huw Jones just

about where the scrum was first they will do it again. Scotland had the

numbers, just needed to put it through the hands, they didn't need

to do much else, that is a shame because turnover ball is what you

are after. This is the bit where they got the turnover, Fraser Brown,

Dunbar, in there, the ball all over the place, Scotland get the

turnover, the pass out wide, just what they needed. This is when it

came down, too hard from Finn Russell. That really was an

opportunity for Scotland. You can see the frustration.

We talked about how electric Huw Jones was in November. His parents,

his father was teaching at John Watson' College, that is why he was

born in Scotland. English parents, unknown to Fraser Brown. That he was

called, in rugby terms, in South Africa, Huw Jones. Fraser Brown

might be getting a blood reversal. Again, we mentioned that he hasn't

played since that game against Argentina in November. No matter how

fit you are, there is match fitness as well. And sharpness. He was

involved in the preseason at the Stormers but it is very different to

training hard and training under pressure to training in a

full-blooded Test match. This will be an early appearance for Ross Ford

as Fraser Brown goes for blood reversal. Cap number 103. Initially.

But I am sure we will see you later on. A decent chunk of a man to be

waiting in the wings. They will have debated long and hard whether he

starts because of his scrummaging. Fraser Brown was outstanding for

Glasgow couple of weeks ago for Leicester. Ross Ford will probably

improve the scrum for the time he is on the pitch. The instant litmus

test is this one. Almost exactly the same position as the previous one. I

learned just waited and waited and then the surge came on.

Dell just popped out an island status trade. Look at him on the

side nearest us, hopefully he can stay straight. And lay off the

scrum. The same result. Penalty coming,

surely, for Ireland. There it is. DRS scrums and two to destructions

of the Scottish pack. You can see the way he comes on, Del's hips

popped out to the left. Ireland goes straight through. It could be a long

day if it continues like this. Paid attention but clearly under

pressure. Not just a very strong in the scrum

but very impressive in the loose as well. From on high, we get a great

view of it. You can just see Dell popped out as the pressure comes

out. He needs a bit of help from his/her close, his second rowers.

This line-out is scrappy. -- from his hookers. From Ireland's

wastefulness. Watson takes it. A live wire. A bit around the collar.

But Scotland are still with it. Again, a chance to attack.

Shovelling it onto Maitland. Jonny Gray. Scotland back up to the

ten metre line. The game is going through the same patterns. Richie

Gray, this time. Allan trying to hold them up. Russell thinks he sees

a bit of space. Keith earls has a bit of time to

slice it massively off the outside of his boot. You can see the attempt

for Scotland, wanting it to go wide. Stuart Hogg, Sean Maitland full of

confidence at the moment and then the power comes in. The Rae

Brothers, the main ball carriers for Scotland. When you are captain of a

site where the scrum is struggling, is there a way you can actually try

and avoid scrums in a game of rugby? -- the Gray Brothers. You have to

man up. We have some rain early on. The board is greasy. There will be a

lot of scrums. Wilson took it. Looking for the inside man, Sean

Maitland. Again, Scotland, through Jonny Gray.

Rossall looking for width. Huw Jones hanging that -- Russell. Hogg is

there. CMOS battling his way down the wing. Scotland to within seven

metres of the line. -- Seymour battling his way. They are

struggling but move forward with a vengeance. Richie Gray. The noise

grows inside Murrayfield. Hamish Watson still going up to within two

metres of the line. Scotland bearing down on the try line.

It slows for a moment. Laidlaw thinks but picked up by the forwards

and driven. The Irish defence being sorely tested. Richie Gray is there

again. But still just short. Urged on by the Murrayfield

faithful. Gives it wide. Hogg has it! For the line and the score!

Scotland welcome a try, scoring at Murrayfield. It was a team try to

bring the crowds to life. That really was 18 try. Good composure,

good patients. At various stages I thought they went wide. They didn't

panic. -- good patience. Sometimes it can go for the attacking team and

this was at the very end. Good, long past. It goes to ground. A great try

by Scotland. So nearly an interception. It was the best pass.

It really puts defences under pressure. Real patience from

Scotland. Often you see teams panicking when they are that close

to the line, forcing passes but they were very careful in what they did.

They converted a try really well. Stuart Hogg now Scotland's all-time

leading try scorer in the Six Nations. It gives great Laidlaw this

conversion -- Greig Laidlaw. It's a difficult day for the

kickers. A converted try. Scotland 7-0 to the

good. I wonder how am that dominance in the set piece... A loose line-out

which eventually brought a bout that try. That is the challenge for

Scotland. They've got to try to play error-free rugby. The more mistakes

there are, the more scrums they are, the more dominant island will be.

We've seen what Scotland can do. -- more dominant Ireland. Restart taken

by Ireland. A huge thump on Zebo. Ireland with an instant chance to

respond. Furlong. Again, the Scottish tackles are

thick and fast. Fagerson hitting best.

Every green shirt has a target on it at the moment.

Carried in by O'Brien. It is still there for Ireland. Heaslip. Furlong,

again, to Jackson. A loose one. Scotland just waited in defence.

Zebo. Fraser Brown back on the pitch. Good strength. He makes his

way past Dunbar to the edge of the 22. Some thumping challenges coming

in. Allan Dell was there. Murray fires it out. Paddy Jackson.

O'Brien! O'Brien is through on his own. He bounces through one tackle

and now Ireland menacing the Scottish try line. WHISTLE

Turnover. But advantage being played and then another penalty. Ryan

Wilson believes his case. A decision to make. In the autumn, Ireland

indisposition almost always went to the corner. -- in this position.

There it is again, no hesitation. It will be a five metre line-out. One

area Scotland were concerned about in November and Ireland were very

strong hand, the driving maul off the five metre line-out. We shall

see how this goes. Ryan Wilson thought he did it fairly

but not. A real opportunity for Ireland. Best goes long. Just

watching. Stander takes it. Trying to get towards the line. Down it

goes. Advantage. Scotland can only bring it down a legally. Ireland

with a penalty. Scotland will have to be very

careful. As a captain, when you go dominant maul, dominant scrum, would

you take the line-out? Would you consider a scrum? I would consider

scrum actually but Ireland have been cut from five metres out in the

past. The more times you have to defend, the less chance you have.

They are wary of giving away a penalty, they are wary of the yellow

card and you have to be careful. They did not have to leap too far.

Very well set up. Ireland again and it splinters and breaks. WHISTLE

The decision... Well, scrum to Scotland. That was

set up and it looks like it was going to be going over the line

without any trouble whatsoever. The referee has deemed that it

separated. We can see that look at that. You probably think that is

going to go over. Where is the separation? They've basically

changed lanes. That is what they call it. Accidental offside. Without

indicating. Jonny Gray's had a bit of treatment and Scotland have the

scrum. But it's a small respite, isn't it? You asked me earlier that

the scrum but the big thing is the coach. He is seen two scrums from a

good angle as well and it will be interesting to see what changes they

can make from that feedback from the touchline. Keep an eye on Schmidt

along with Andy Farrell, keep an eye on Tadhg Furlong and Allan Dell. A

bit of a mismatch. This is where Fraser Brown needs to get this to

Josh Strauss' feet as quick as possible. Ireland but the squeeze on

and Scotland battling. It is not coming back and Scotland under real

pressure. Murray complains. What is the decision? The ball got

to the back of the scrum but they weren't in any position. As a

scrum-half, you don't want to pick it up when you're not in a passing

position, they need to get Josh Strauss into the channel one

position in many ways. It does lessen the push through the two

second rows. They have to try to get this out as quickly as possible.

Scotland want a fast and loose game, they don't want any of the set piece

of nonsense. But Ireland are in a great position, even though they do

not have the put-in. They have a view things to say, the Scotland's

forwards coach. In it goes from Laidlaw. Looking for it sharply at

the back. There it is full Scotland. They will run a bid from their own

line. Dunbar did a carry -- run a bit. Deep into the in-goal area.

Hogg. A following breeze. It can send them a long way down but Connie

Mack is waiting for them. In full flight. -- but Kearney. He almost

managed it. Jackson gives it a bit deeper to

Zebo. A half chance. Back they go bust Rory Best has to tumble on it.

A bit of a charge from CJ Stander. The kick is coming. Setting up the

goals from Murray. A good take from Hogg. All he can do is wander

towards the East stand. You had just seen the whole repertoire from

Stuart Hogg. The try scorer, the long kick from defence. The spiral

and the high ball. He's got everything. He's an outstanding

player with full of confidence. He knocks his team-mate and friend,

Seymour out because he is in such good form in all aspects of the

game. Difficult conditions for a man and a high ball today, the flags

really are in full sail in the East stand. Murray and Jackson. Another

opportunity. Scotland wants more on the defence

gets it away sharply on the defence. Zebo. So long to Jackson. Toner hit

hard by Strauss and company. Ireland still with it. Ringrose now tries to

guide his way past Russell. Plenty of ball for Ireland. The spill in

the tackle. Wilson comes away with it. Russell decides to put a boot on

ball, downwind behind a Zebo. Zebo and Kearney wondering about and

trying to turn it. Punching it into the wind. Some gross defensive play

from Scotland, they have defended 25 metre mauls, a five metre scrum,

cleared their lines well. They are putting them under pressure. This

was the pressure on Murray that we talked about so much for the last

few weeks. Ten out of ten. Russell coming through. There has been a

real bike about Scotland's defence. Good line speed and organisation.

The man alongside Vern Cotter, Jason O'Halloran, the attack coach. He

said that wasn't straight. Not even close to being straight. These are

the things, when your scrum is under pressure, that's a free ball, a free

opportunity to probably get another penalty and then get 40 yards down

there and defend your line-out in U own 22. We talked -- we had Stuart

Hogg talk about set piece evidence. Take parity at this stage. Fraser

Brown has to apologise and say scrum again. Jason O'Halloran was saying

that Scotland are a couple of years away from being at their best. A lot

of young players in there. The area that every site needs a

really strong tight head, Zander Fagerson is powerful enough but

still very young. WHISTLE Again, penalty to Ireland. There

will be a talking to, here. Perhaps, next time, something more.

Infringement at the scrum. Don't let them hit and go forward. That was

steady but number three collapsing. The new one has had a go at trying

to chat to the referee. There's no talking to him. I don't think

there's any value in trying to influence the referee. I tried to do

it for too long. You pick and choose one or two moments and that's it.

But the odd word, what Greg just did, watch what they are doing, is

always good. He has planted a seed about the kick and chase. It is

something that is... You may have a point, looking at that scrum, you

may have a point. What a kick that was from the penalty, though. This

into a bit of a breeze and it has taken Ireland all the way up to

within ten metres of the Scottish line. Rory Best. Looking for his

target. Again, it goes wrong for Ireland. Back, six, green. Quickest

to it was the more. Scotland try and earn a few yards before their

clearance. Brown playing it back. Hogg. Had to send that one of his

left boot. Zebo again. It is all happening inside the Scottish half.

WHISTLE You know, that was the worry for me.

A big part of the Irish line-up for the last few years and he's one of

the best back row jumpers around. He takes the pressure off the line-up.

Towards the end of my career when I was getting older and slower, it was

great to have him there. He's a big loss to the Irish side today.

Amazing the contrast in the set piece scrum has been dominated by

Ireland. Line-out, Scotland have gotten in there but in the loose,

Scotland are dominating in that space. This is the line-out which

went wrong, Richie Gray in front of Devin Toner. Well cleared up by

Tommy Seymour by the way. Richie Gray doing his best to disrupt.

Scotland's line-out, now. Andy Farrell. Joe Schmidt. They need

to be in there as well. A quarter of the match gone and

still just one school from Scotland from one real attack but here they

come again. Arch one score. Stuart Hogg! Two for Hogg! 'S chances, two

scores for Scotland. Up against it for so much that they leave by 12

points and Murrayfield wands again alive. Stuart Hogg and 15. The man

is on fire. -- once again. Trying to get space forward. Somebody in this

vein of form with the confidence got, and he can snatch at the line.

Outstanding finish. You knew that Keith earls was drifting out. All

set up. Nice, flat pass. He knew that Kearney would take the final

man. What a try. What a player he is.

Earls is not that slow. It goes to show how fast Stuart Hogg is. Before

this week, everyone will be picking his Lions team and Stuart Hogg would

probably be the first guy on it. And this is why. Remember his trial last

Yaffe of the Aviva Stadium? From 50 yards. That was a bit shorter --

last year at the Aviva Stadium. That was electric. Player at the last Six

Nations, he was voted will stop second try. Laidlaw chance from the

other side of the pitch. Whatever side he scopes them through.

Scotland 14 points out. APPLAUSE It's a curious game for many years,

Scotland supporters watch their side play and had lots of possession and

territory but couldn't score tries. Now just two real chances at twice

taken. If you think about it, the referee, at the next scrum, Scotland

could go down to 14 member they have 14 points but that they have played

with such confidence and accuracy -- 14 men, but they have. Bounces off

Hogg. So, he is human. He is human after all! Commentator's curse.

Ireland had a line-out again. A huge target.

Devin Toner. The last couple of line-out have not gone well. In

fact, they are coming back for the knock-on. There will be a line-out

and scrum again, which is certainly better for Ireland. This is where

Scotland have to look a bit more robust. Ireland happy enough it's

going to the scrum. Ladle shouting a few instructions to

his defence, backline -- Laidlaw shouting. A more solid scrum.

Jackson to Henshaw. Tumbling into the 22, how can Ireland respond?

Jackson, good strength and Paddy Jackson almost threw on his own!

Hamish Watson eventually got to him that options either side for

Ireland. Heaslip. Mary slapping away johnny -- Jonny Gray. Carried by

Iain Henderson. Stander. Ireland assaulting the

Scottish line. A good ball for Ireland to play

with. Henshaw again. Bowling his way on.

Punching away, blindside. Scrambling on. Murray looks for Henderson.

Carried by O'Brien instead. Hit by the pace. Going through the phases.

Heaslip. Jackson. Kearney. Huw Jones and

Hamish Watson, there. Still with Ireland. Strauss and Richie Gray

claim him. Jackson, again. Upended. Still they come. 15, 16 phases now.

Stander rolling on. Zebo into play. Scrum-half. Battering away. McGrath.

The Scottish defence still working. But working so hard. Heaslip now

through. Body is getting rather weary. Penalty, advantage, to

Ireland. Six, away! Murray digs. Closing in on 20

phases. Jackson to Zebo. Seymour tries to get it. Earls for the

corner. Ireland hit back! He thinks he's scored, the crowd in

that, think he's scored. They will just check. -- the crowd in that

corner. REFEREE: To check if the player has

touched the ground. Please. Try, yes or no. Scotland's defence up until

that point were good because Ireland were one-dimensional, quite

predictable. Almost when the penalty advantage was conceded, let's have a

look... Yeah, that's a try. A clear try. Once the penalty advantage

happened, it was likely Scottish defence lost that intensity and the

big pass out wide went and I could try. A good finish by Keith earls.

Glenn Newman, the TMO says you can awarded. WHISTLE

A tough conversion. I think Fraser Brown is coming off for blood coming

out of his nose. It falls to Paddy Jackson. A fine,

fine placekicker. Almost nearing 90% last year in international rugby.

The wind swirls around inside Murrayfield from right out on the

touchline. 5-point try. What a start to the

game. I am sure it is nothing to do with bonus points but a veritable

try Best. They deserve a try. Tommy Seymour does read the game

very well. Probably should have had it because he got both hands, you

can see his frustration in the bottom corner. Rugby should have

taken that and it would have been a three point rather than a five point

-- probably should have. Advantage being played in any case but Seymour

doesn't miss too many of those. Only seven minutes gone.

REFEREE: Not on the ball. I don't need your support, thank you.

Furlong. Back on temporarily for Fraser

Brown. Richie Gray pretends he's getting

out of the way. REFEREE: Advantage. A mistake. They

tried to launch a flurry down the blindside and almost away, Tommy

Seymour but Scotland with another opportunity. Fagerson. The young man

very strong in the loose. Laidlaw switches it. Russell has a bit of a

think. Scotland get it a setback. A gift of

an opportunity for Scotland. Josh Strauss.

REFEREE: Heads up. The call is eventually laid. Russell. A bit of a

trip. Zebo able to watch it but it only slides out with it. A great way

from the chip. Strange from Ireland, you would have thought they would

have exited with a big kick from Murray to try something on the short

side. Came off Rob Carney unaware of

Murray's intentions. Opportunity for Scotland, needing half an hour. --

Rob Kearney. Ireland's turn to defend the five metre Drive. Nervous

and difficult place to defend. Both sides have been uncertain in the

line-out. A sneaky one and straight through for the try. Dunbar. Alex

Dunbar straight through the middle, catching Ireland unawares. Great

invention. But where was the Irish defence watching? Alex Dunbar

getting in among the forwards. Outstanding play. Very tricky little

player, no lift, no job, just puts it over the top of Greig Laidlaw in

front of the line-out. Very simple. You can see that Ireland are set up

to defend the middle and the back of the line-out, not just set up to

defend the front, they are hoping to go to the front and Ireland can

drive them into the touchline. Just goes straight over Greig Laidlaw's

head. Great little play. Great little play. Not often you see the

backs lurking in and taking part in the line-out. Dunbar, so well

worked. In lot of teams now do ten, 11 man drives, they bring in the

centres. They set up the line-out and bring in the backs, we've seen

England to do it a lot recently. Ireland were getting ready for a big

drive, when you bring in the backs. You're thinking this is going to be

a big drive, we don't need to worry about a play at the backline. Pretty

much three moves to the 22 and three tries. Laidlaw. A wonderful kick. In

those conditions off a right foot as well.

I would never have thought Scotland would be one of the bonus point

before half-time. Such a one off. Straight over Greig Laidlaw. Rory

Best is there to mark him. Not expecting him. It's not something

we've seen from Scotland in the past. Fielded well by Hamish Watson.

Scotland try and accept their 22. Good take. Straight down the middle

it goes. Sits up for Paddy Jackson. Ireland looking for the response

again. Kearney. Wrapped up by Jonny Gray.

The switch to Zebo. Onto Ringrose. In confusion with Robbie Henshaw.

The referee having a long look at that. It seems fine.

Stander to Jackson. Deep it goes now. Earls must take it at a

standstill. Good power, not the biggest man but plenty of strength.

Furlong to Henderson. The referee says that's fine. Jackson again,

deep it goes, and on through the Leinster men, Henshaw and then

Ringrose. Stander hit hard again. Here is Henshaw. No way through, Huw

Jones takes him down. Ireland going through the phases, trying to build.

The captain carries, Jackson and Henderson, little pop to Kearney,

unceremoniously dumped. There is Henshaw again but Ireland not making

much ground at the moment, through a dozen phases now. The little step

came from Ringrose. Heaslip. Advantage to Ireland. Scotland

offside. A little free attack from Jackson to try something but they

will come back for that penalty now. The quality of the Scottish tackling

is outstanding. A lot of talk about defensive systems in the modern

game, but the guys have two man up and make big tackles as well. When

you see Ireland playing well in the autumn they play quick ball. The

Scottish tackling is excellent. The disappointing thing from the

Scottish perspective is because their defence has been so strong,

give the extra half Yarde, that was done for offside, not retreating

back, and it wasn't that quick ball. They can afford to get behind the

offside line, don't give the referee or the touch judge a chance because

the defence is so strong. The possession stats, 63% for Ireland,

since is prevailing here now and Ireland looking to accumulate some

points. Ireland look predictable at the moment. Probably as a result of

good Scottish defence. Hamish Watson at the breakdown as well, I was

wondering why Barclay wasn't playing but sometimes he's not as clean at

the breakdown, Chris Paterson, we were chatting before the game,

sometimes he's not so clean at the breakdown. He gives away very few

penalties, gets it out before he gets into trouble. Good strike from

Paddy Jackson, three points for Ireland, they move onto eight.

Something for the Irish supporters to cheer but not too much so far.

And plenty for the Irish coaching team to mull over at half-time.

Russell with the restart. Devin Toner takes it down. Murray just

gets the kick away. Richie Gray. The big man in his way. Hogg. Irish

shirts around the flying full-back. Here is Hamish Watson again. Through

Ringrose and still going, he's a squat, powerful ball-carrier.

Russell sliding through almost, gives it to Jonny Gray. Ireland

getting some hands on that. Fagerson. Scotland look to build

again. Richie Gray. Russell. Heaslip takes him down.

Stander trying to secure the turnover but gets the penalty for

Ireland. It was a strong first tackle, Finn Russell was just the

wrong way and had to work really hard to get his body round to get

the ball back which allowed time for CJ Stander to get on it and when he

is on it he is so strong. I've watched Finn Russell twice in that

set of phases, he was taking the ball to the line, putting inside

dummies, outside dummies, which holds the defence and that's the

style of play which has freed up them to get the tries. Heaslip,

struggling to get his body round, allowing time for Stander to get in.

Good back row sort of double defence, one making the tackle and

one affecting the penalty. Irish line-out again, this has been

misfiring. It works better this time for the men in green, carried by

Stander, such a powerful man. Hamish Watson just gets to him eventually.

And then Kearney, the strength from the full-back again, Maitland.

Ireland looking for a score before half-time. And there is CJ Stander.

Murray gets his pass away to Henshaw and Keith earls.

Jack McGrath. Henderson. Again it goes deep from Ireland and Sean

O'Brien thumps his way into the challenge from Huw Jones and Jones

is getting in the way of it. Murray gives it to Tadhg Furlong. Phase

after phase for Ireland. Henderson on to Henshaw, well taken by

Laidlaw. The penalty is Scotland's penalty this time. I wasn't sure

which way Romain Poite was pointing. Great defence from Scotland. It

really was really good. Especially when Ireland did go wide it was one

on one on two and sometimes more defenders than attackers. They are

working very well and being very efficient in the contact to get

outside and fill the gaps. It has been outstanding defensive display

by Scotland so far. Ireland have had a lot of possession, but I think we

are quite slow, the ball we are generating just doesn't look

threatening. Scotland look really comfortable at defending. They

looked like they are making really big hits. You can see that here.

They are not just making big hits, it's the second effort and then

getting back into line and back into the defensive line and having that a

pace to come off. It has been a very collective defence. Taylor on the

front left of Vern Cotter, look at the tackles, 84 tackles they have

made compared to 37. They have missed 12 but they haven't really

impacted the game. It has been the intensity, pace, ferocity and

collectiveness which has been very impressive. Instead it will be

Scotland looking for another score before half-time. And again, the

line-outs have been inconsistent from both sides. Ryan Wilson the man

at the front, as Scotland try and get it away, not perhaps the 40 but

they start to move and Ford gives it to Laidlaw, crashing through, see

more off the wing. Russell hurling it wide and Hogg again, the danger

of the little step, Huw Jones is lending his support. Maitland to

ground. Scotland into the 22 again. Ryan Wilson with the carry, again

Henderson trying to keep up. Wilson eventually gets to ground. Onto

Gray, the elder, Richie Gray sets it back. Nobody there at the moment,

the scrum-half for Scotland. Jonny Gray gives it the way to carry it

on. Laidlaw points the way again. A more deliberate, Paul Fuller sack

this from Scotland. Still there. Looking for try number four before

half-time. Options outside to Strauss, almost goes through Jack

McGrath and Ireland's defence is beginning to buckle a little bit.

Jonny Gray. No support, goes himself. It's not the quickest

attack but it's building and building and Russell to Hogg and the

tackle comes in this time, good strength from the full-back, Heaslip

was piling in on him. It is still there just for Scotland. That Apple

had to be made on Hogg. Richie Gray and Scotland up to within six or

seven metres. 11 phases, 30 seconds before half-time. Jonny Gray out

wide to Russell who tries to offload and it is an interception! Zebo

kicks and the chase is on. See more against Zebo. Seymour is there but

Zebo is upon him. -- Seymour. Seymour is back on his feet, and who

will have the final say in this first half? The ball is there for

Scotland. Laidlaw summoning in the troops. He just takes a moment and

the half will be over now. Scotland might just kick it out. Laidlaw

asking the question. Out it will go now. A frantic end to the first

half. Unbelievable first half, unbelievable finish, as ever with

the interception it can go either way but you saw a bit of leadership

from Greig Laidlaw, who knew there was ten seconds, one more phase, get

it out. 21-8, I have to say what an unbelievable first 40 minutes of

this year's RBS Six Nations. Scotland look more dangerous, every

time they get the ball you feel if Hogg or Seymour get it something

will happen, I don't get that feeling when Ireland have the ball.

There we are, what a half, 21-8, three tries to one, but this game is

far from done. Scotland high on the Hogg after the

opening 40 minutes of the RBS Six Nations, first try for Stuart Hogg,

second try for Stuart Hogg making him Scotland's all-time leading try

scorer in the Six Nations so far. Welcome to the brave new world of

bonus point try scoring attacking, running rugby of the Six Nations.

All we need is the weather and you get a product like this. Just

imagine how different things might be if the weather men had been right

and we had horizontal rain and howling gales, how different things

might have been. Anyway, there are the facts and figures, most

interestingly, whenever you watch the All Blacks played they play in

matches when they have less possession and score more points and

this has been the successful role for Scotland at the moment. What a

start and opening 40 minutes of rugby. It's incredibly Scotland only

have 40% possession, they've missed 14 tackles, lost the penalty count

7-2 but 21-8 up, some brilliant tries and brilliant endeavour. The

accuracy on the outside channels, just blown away by the intensity

Scotland started that match with. It's extraordinarily, phenomenal,

great attitude, great attention to detail, great turnovers from

Scotland, and the absolute reverse from Ireland. The Lions play has

been poor, the attention to detail, they are dreadful. It is amazing

when you can see a switch on one side or the other, when Ireland got

a little touch for one moment they scored a try but other than that

they have not been in the game. It is worth saying it is only two

scores. Two fantastic scores. The first 40 minutes have been

fantastic, we have been riveted watching it and it is spectacular.

You've got to applaud Scotland because normally you get a side that

dominates one area but not only have they tackled their hearts out, lots

of energy spent there. In attack they have been a superb offence as

they have defence. We pinpointed Hogg before the game and we were

right. He does this for his club team and he keeps doing it and

getting better and better. This came after a big build-up from Scotland

who started the game particularly well. They were knocking on the

door. We felt this pass could have gone out the back earlier behind to

Huw Jones but Scotland didn't do that. He is terribly strong in

contact, there he is on the outside, Sean Maitland getting frustrated but

the rest of the squad keep their composure, built the phases, hold

their width, and Stuart Hogg could have scored that, Tommy Seymour

could have scored. There is no way he is passing that after the long

pass. Two passes covering 35 metres, the bouncing ball, Ringrose trying

to get to it. The ball was always just outside, he ended up slipping

trying to get to it. The tackle Ringrose try to put in there, so

important that Kearney cut off a try when he hit Hogg and when you

mistimed it and don't get there in time you get the space. If you go

for it you have to make it. When you were playing you have the ability to

run very fast and then go a bit quicker and that's what Stuart Hogg

did for the second try. It's great to see a player in form come to the

international arena and do it and continue to do it. This was a great

set move from Scotland. Sorry! The beauty is it is quick ball. Keith

Earls is stranded a bit, unsure, the Irish defence is very narrow. Does

he go in? Does he go out? Does he stay? He is a bit in a lost land and

Scotland attack the width and Hogg gets away. The beauty of the wave

Hogg and Maitland set up, in the outside channel if they are not

there it makes it easier for Keith Earls but because they are wide they

can come straight onto the ball and Hogg blasts over for his second. It

was as if the Irish defence got confused by what happened on the

previous plate and they were at sixes and sevens, Keith Earls

rushing to get into defence, and you have to get the man and ball.

Strange to see in international game that space exposure, because

Scotland went down the blindside on their next try and it's incredible

they are giving them that much space. Quick ball at the breakdown.

Both of Scotland's tries have come from quick ball. Looking at the

Irish try, Ireland had a penalty at the time anyway so they were

probably going to kick from in front of the posts and get three points

anyway. How would you evaluate what happened? Should the intercept pass

have been taken which would have stopped the try? Initially we felt

this was too high for Seymour. It was after 18 phases and penalty

advantage. We can see again, maybe he should have stuck but Keith Earls

does wonderfully well to finish off. I looked at that and thought Zebo

got away with it. I didn't think he was in this early good play, they

got away with it, that could have gone the length of the other way but

Ireland have forced to many things and haven't been direct enough in

the first half. Lucky to get that try. If 18 phases? Ireland haven't

been allowed to go through those phases. The defence of Scotland is

quick of the line and nailing the one-on-one tackles. If you were

watching before the match began we had an interview with Eddie Jones,

the England coach, saying the thing about rugby these days was being

innovative, coming up with new ideas and foxing your opposition and

surprising them. Let's talk about the line-out, lots of people

watching, the backs played the backs and forwards play the forwards, so

what is Alex Dunbar wearing number 12 doing there? Smoke and mirrors. I

guess the Irish would have been thinking the ball is going to the

back, they have loaded the Scottish forwards in the back of the

line-out. You can see it is a move from the training field and Dunbar

reached up and not even jumped, he reached up. The Irish guys at the

front of the line-out don't believe it is going to him. What I love

about this is at the end of his international career they will say

Alex Dunbar, line-out wins 100%, pretty cool. There was a little bit

of confusion. Ireland have been stepped off the pace mentally and

physically for the whole 40 minutes. That could change at half-time but

they really need to get to the pace of the game and they are well off it

at the moment. How much are they off the pace because the Scottish

defence has been so immense? It has been. A lot of defence is technique

and lots of it is raw enthusiasm and passion and Scotland have had both.

Coming off line quickly, making big collisions, Sean O'Brien is a big

ball carrier so that is a statement of not only intent but also action.

Coming forward, Zander Fagerson hitting Rory Best behind the gain

line for a five metres behind it. The tackling was fantastic. I think

a lot of that is to do with the level love directness and power and

pace that Ireland are putting into it. They slowed down into a couple

of those tackles and not in the right body position to do it and not

in control of the collision. This is more about Scotland's defence and

not so much, Ireland, talking about the mind and body, island are a good

side and we saw that in the autumn but Scotland have raised the

intensity and gone above Ireland. One thing we can be sure of as the

match goes on and people get tired the bench has to come into play and

the scrum could become a key area. Ireland have complete domination at

the moment. When we started watching this, at the start of the game we

said, my God, if Ireland have such control at the stage and bring this

tempo to the rest of the game they will be in charge but exactly as

Jerry has said, this has been the only area where Ireland's attention

to detail has been right and where there focus and attitude has been at

the required level and Scotland have been off the mark. In all other

facets Scotland have tipped the balance. Ireland rely on execution

could. The line-out they have lost 50% of, they got into attacking

positions and lost the ball, had the ball turned over, it is unlike

Ireland but that's because the pressure of the Scottish defence is

really getting to them. It is 21-8. We mentioned bonus points and if

it's the first time you are watching the Six Nations, today it will be,

but if it's the first time you're watching rugby, in the context of

the bonus point environment it is worth explaining. Scotland have

three tries already and Ireland have scored one. This is how things are

different in the Six Nations this year, four points if you win, not

just two and a bonus point for scoring four tries and obviously

Scotland need one more try to secure a bonus point. The losing team get a

bonus point for scoring four tries irrespective of the Final Score.

They get a bonus point as well if they lose by less than seven. In the

event of a draw it is two points for a

draw and a tremendous weekend of Six Nations Rugby.

# The revolution will be televised # You can watch it in HD

# From the safety of your city # The revolution will be televised

# Choose to watch or not # From the safety of our sofas #

Women's Six Nations, Sunday at 10:45pm, repeated on Monday also.

Ireland beat Scotland last night, Wales narrowly ahead of Italy at the

moment and England and France still to be played. So, if you haven't

taken at rugby and you think this could be the sport for me this is

how you do it. Get inspired is BBC sport's

campaign. It is on the BBC sport website and you can find

inspirational stories from people just like you, as well as hints,

tips as well as over 70 practical guides to help you give something

ago. There is an activity finder to help you find something to try near

you. Just get up, get inspired and get active.

Still two more games to come on the opening weekend of the Six Nations

and they will all be rounded up for you in Six Nations Rugby special at

6pm tomorrow night like the old days on BBC Two and in Scotland at 7pm.

The Six Nations match at Twickenham between England and France is live

on 5 live at 4:50pm this afternoon. If midway through that you think you

fancy a change of sport why notched, not much the Davis Cup. And Usain

Bolt and others in the event that is going to transform track and field,

so they say, from Melbourne, 2:45pm tomorrow. Let's chat with a Scotsman

and Irishman from up in the commentary box, Andy Nicol and Paul

O'Connell. You've given a few half-time team talk single time,

what would you say now? Ireland have a plan they haven't really stuck to.

One of the big things that has been successful for Ireland in the last

few years has been their set piece, the line-out has been excellent and

they have always been disciplined, they don't give away silly

penalties. You look at the line-out that was turned over for the first

try, look at Simon Zebo going to the floor, not rolling and rotating and

doing the best he can to get the ball back and get a penalty again

and Ireland are under pressure. On the five metre drives Ireland have

been good at defending five metre drives and good at converting when

they get there but today has been the opposite. In many respects line

discipline and five metre drives. Andy, Ireland can only get better,

does that give you cause for concern?

Obviously it does but the challenge for Scotland is to keep the

intensity they have both in attack and defence which has been

brilliant, attacking intent has been brilliant. Scrummaging aside that is

probably Scotland's best of the first-half performance for a long

time in every aspect. It is not just attack or in defence, it is both.

There is the challenge, to keep it going. It will be an interesting

changing room downstairs to what the coaches are saying but it has been

an uplifting 40 minutes. The challenge for the neutrals watching

is to make the second half every bit as good as the first.

The excitement of the Six Nations remains, and we are under way in the

2017 RBS Six Nations. Russell pushes it out and Hogg has it and Scotland

score. May land outside, Stuart Hogg, it is all the way and two for

Hogg. Out wide, Zebo goes for it, Ireland hit back. Sneaky one and it

is Dunbar! 21-8, unbelievable first 40 minutes to this year's RBS Six

Nations. When you look at the weather and the

conditions here that has to be a factor in what has been a fantastic

first 40 minutes. The sun is bailing people in the top flight on the far

side in winter sunshine. The sun is out, I'm not sure what the

temperature will be or how warm it is but it will be warm in the

Scottish dressing room. They must stay calm. Coming out for the second

half they must keep their accuracy, keep attacking the edge with quick

ball. They cannot get overexcited. Keep the accuracy and hope for

another 40 minutes from a Scottish perspective like we saw in the first

half. It is moments like this when people look at the bench and save in

the event of at 60, 65 minutes who are we bringing on? Who are the

sides bringing on that might make the change from Ireland's

perspective? Ireland seemed to have the stronger and more experienced

bench and Scotland have been most vulnerable over the last 12 months

in the last ten or 15 minutes. I also think Scotland might keep some

players on the field. It depends on how it changes. For me it is all

about the attitude, if Ireland can turn it back the other way again, or

Scotland stay in the ascendancy, Scotland stopping everything Ireland

try and do. You mean Scotland keep players longer on the field than

they may have planned to initially? I think so, especially the front row

and the props, they have a huge amount of experience at this level.

They may want to try and take as much out of their players as they

can. Would you be happy with a losing bonus point now? No, no

interest in a bonus point. Jerry, final thought, how will it pan out?

We talked about Joe Schmidt and how shrewd he is tactically. See how he

has changed the Irish tactics for the second half. OK, we got off to a

spectacular start, a real flyer, let's hope we have another of the

same, back to Andrew Cotter. COMMENTATOR: No changes to either

side at half-time but I'm sure there will be a change to the effort and

efficiency of Ireland. They will know they are still within two

converted tries and they have a little bit of wind at their backs,

Hamish Watson, so impressive in the first half, carries. Again it was

O'Brien trying to hold him up and Scotland try to dig themselves out

of a bit of bother. Here is Hogg. He will not be getting the same

distance with his boot in the second half as in the first and that will

be a factor. Yeah, definitely, they need to figure out their exit

strategy a bit, the first half they went straight back to Stuart Hogg

and you could see the Irish defensive line was very quick, some

pressure and it came off the side of his foot, so maybe Greig Laidlaw

needs to put two up and maybe Finn Russell must take on the pressure of

the kicking. Rory Best. This one was a bit of MS. Ford claims it for

Scotland. We said no changes, he's still on, as far as I'm aware, a

permanent change for Fraser Brown, as I'm aware. Scotland with a

chance. Huw Jones trying to scoot his way around Ringrose. Hamish

Watson again, a ball of energy. Trying to get the ball back. The

referee says penalty to Ireland, good work by the Irish tacklers.

Great work on the ground from Sean O'Brien, excellent work. He is a

real groundhog of a number seven. He can carry and tackle but also great

on the floor as well. Very important penalty. Another line-out for

Ireland. This will be sent towards the corner and it may be the start

of a long second half for Scotland as Jackson finds his target, 15,

perhaps slightly more, metres from the try line. It is quite

challenging for Devin Toner. Ireland's back row is the tallest.

Brian Wilson, Scotland are tall men and good defenders and putting

Ireland under a lot of pressure. Devin Toner. He is the only rugby

player... Is he the man to go to? Rory Best. And now try and get the

maul going, Scotland shoving them towards touch. Ireland still have

that ball. It splinters away and where is the ball? Down to ground it

goes. Stand against the power of the blindside flanker of Murray. Heaslip

having a think about things. And Ireland getting deeper into the 22

now, laid-back by O'Brien and Murray gives it on, Stander once more and

Henderson alongside and Tadhg Furlong is there. The bridge there

as it is carried and carried further into the 22 and Ireland with a real

purpose now. Jackson with good strength laying it back to Murray

and now to Tadhg Furlong again. Ireland getting closer and closer

right at the start of the second half. Heaslip for Murray again and

back to Jack McGrath. Scotland's defence is being sorely tested in

the first half early on. Jackson with a little switch. Zebo, easily

watched by Scotland, but wide it goes for Ireland. Kearney taken down

by Huw Jones. Murray again flings it out. Carried in by Tadhg Furlong

onto McGrath, McGrath is looking for support from Stander. Stander. And

Ireland getting close again, O'Brien to Best, to Jackson. Advantage to

Ireland. The penalty is there as Seymour was in an offside position.

But Ireland looking for far more than a penalty here. To Henderson.

16, 17 phases now, Toner on his shoulder. Wide to Zebo who spins and

drives now. Little bit of a spill, back they will come for that

penalty. That was about 20 phases. For the

first 15 I thought Ireland were predictable in attack. One or two

passes, easy to defend. Then some off-loading and you can see the

difference. In, behind the defence and they got close to it. I can see

why they are going for a scrum. Scotland need to be careful. Nine

penalties already conceded in yellow card territory. It's a big moment

for the Scottish scrum. If they can master this, if they can

complete the scrum, defend their lines, clear their lines, a massive

moment in the match. History would tell you in rugby that

look at the two packs, the way it's gone so far, there is a very small

chance of Scotland emerging from this without conceding any points.

As Andy said, the danger is a penalty try, yellow card, they are

all possibilities. You would imagine if I don't have the penalty they

would go for a scrum. They are here to stay until they get a try.

Russell going off for a head injury assessment. When Henschel carries

the ball aggressively. It got bounced off his head. -- when

Henschel. I watched him go to the far side. He will be in now to check

everything is OK. Scotland desperately need to have him back.

Hopefully he can pass this. Doctor Mikel will take a look at him. The

elder brother although I can't believe it myself, but he will look

at him. Duncan Weir is on. Finn Russell took a bad knock from Zander

Fagerson. That's why he wears the headband. Understandable, sensible.

He has ten minutes to be assessed. A huge moment in the match. Five

minutes gone in the second half. Ireland scrum dominant in the first

half. Very interesting. Small disconnect

from the way the Scottish front row is pushing and the Scottish second

row is pushing. If you look, there's a slight angle between the two and

that is causing them problems. Looking from on high, who better to

look at things and Paul O'Connell? If we look at this, as it

progresses... Got to be a strong connection

between front and second row. Scotland have to be strong. A huge

moment in the match. Much better. Deep into his own pack, Murray.

Upholding at the back. Ireland not making ground at the moment, they

have to go through the backs. Rolling forward, Henshaw. Murray is

there. Advantage to Ireland. Penalty coming. Another offside. Kearney

can't quite make his way to the corner. O'Brien.

Ireland looking for the ideal start to the second half. CJ Stander still

playing with this, penalty advantage. Murray to Jackson.

Henschel spins and shakes off Huw Jones. Picked up by Captain Best.

Rory Best within two metres Adam Marriott looking for it. Penalty

advantage. He looks both ways. Stander is there. Murray again and

for! Can't quite make it. The ball is held up. -- for the line. Penalty

advantage but they go over for a try. Iain Henderson dives and

schools. -- and scores. Ireland have a try to unite the second half and

the comeback is on. They deserve that, they directed the first seven

minutes of the second half, knocking on the door so many times. Held

firm. Overlong but it was almost the weight of pressure. They got that

close and suddenly Iain Henderson is very hard to stop. This is it, at

the very end. Good position, you won't stop anyone of that weight

coming in when you cannot get under him. Duncan Weir, a huge weight. But

no way you will get down below Iain Henderson to stop that. When you get

that close to the line, you can be fairly simple in the attack, you

don't need the opposition to miss a tackle. All you need to do is make a

meter, half a metre and keep accumulating until you get over the

line. Paddy Jackson to add the extra two.

No mistake, this time, from Jackson. Ireland with that 7-point boost at

the start of the second half. We had a real game on our hands at

Murrayfield. This isn't helped by the ruling

whereby you have to have every part of your body, hands, feet, behind

the line from the Scottish and they are really disciplined. Everything

is behind the line. It makes it really hard to defend when the

attack is just a half a metre away from the line. Duncan Weir is still

on for that head injury assessment. Finn Russell. I saw John Barton

speaking on as well. He has been outstanding so far, he must

watching, 16 tackles. A big influence. -- Hamish Watson. He will

be tired. Trying to make his way through. Devin Toner took him by the

collar. Everyone is a little person to Devin Toner. Confirmation that

Barclay is on. Jones. The ball is stripped away.

Dunbar was very sharp to fall upon it. REFEREE: Use it. Ireland

starting the more sure in the second half. Ryan Wilson.

Just a bit of a thought from Laidlaw before giving it. Seymour. Not quite

the same zip around Scotland at the moment.

Laidlaw scoops it high. Not much ground on it. A wonderful take it

was by Sean Maitland. Scotland make ten, 12 metres that way. The Grays

in tandem again. Ritchie to Jonny Load your something again. Duncan

Weir sees a bit of space behind Zebo. How is it waited? It's a way

to do very well indeed. A beautiful kick by the replacement, Duncan

Weir. Great kick and good to see Ireland doing a bit of that in the

first half. This is a tough place to defend. A hard place to get out of.

You've got to get the line-out call right, when the line-out, win it.

That's what Duncan Weir does very well, game management is good and

kicking outstanding. That was inch perfect. Finn Russell is just

getting some treatment and he will get back. Duncan Weir has put

Scotland in a great position. Rory Best once his man.

Sophie down for Ireland. -- wants his man. -- safely down. They will

try to march a few yards. Penalty, here. Certainly had the potential

but it goes up from Murray. Out it goes.

The value of that kick, the Scottish attack just outside the 22. You

know, you pressure the Irish. REFEREE: Ten coming back. Thank you

and good night to Duncan Weir for now. Possibly might return later on.

Finn Russell has had a bit of a breather as well. After the

assessment. A good cameo from Duncan Weir. But Russell is fine after the

assessment. This was why he was off, a collision in the tackle. I watched

Andrew. Look at him, he was going to the left. He went all the way to the

end of the defensive line to catch his breath and get his senses so he

wasn't going to be engaged in any more tackles. Fraud's line-out.

Richie Gray gets it down to Laidlaw. Seymour trying to affect the choked

tackle, holding up the man of Scotland get to ground. Wilson.

Russell and oppression. Hogg frees himself, Stuart Hogg scuttling

forward. Scotland is looking for a fourth

try. Barclay lays it back. Richie Gray.

Laidlaw crowded down the blindside. Russell trying to ease his way

through. He gets it to Laidlaw. The ball goes to ground. Land. Jonny

Gray comes in. REFEREE: Use it. Fraud set it back for Scotland. --

Ford. A thoughtful attack. The phases are a bit slower. A bit

steadier, a bit tighter. The forwards are doing their bit. Ross

Ford. Towards the edge of the 22, Russell

again. A show on Huw Jones but easily enough watched by Jackson and

Henderson, the Ulster two. Scotland, plenty of ball, going through the

phases, making a bit of ground. Laidlaw. Confusion. Henshaw was in

there to strip it. Stander. Scotland have to rush back to defensive

duties. Ireland have a chance to counter. It goes wide. Earls almost

through. Looking for support. Boasting his way through the

tackles. Deep into the Scottish half --

ghosting. The ball of the man goes through. Stander is there to set it

once more. McGrath tries to slap aside Jonny Gray.

Jackson, once more. A loop around. Carried by Sean O'Brien. Sean

O'Brien out into fresh air for a moment. Looking around. Ireland,

again, threatening the 22. Wide. Earls. A step but no way around Sean

Maitland. Earls trying to get it back, which

he does. All the menace from Ireland and Ringrose.

Still with the men in green. Heaslip once more. WHISTLE

And the penalty decision. You could hear the cries of "Sir! Sur! "

Penalty, this time. John Barclay got in there, I think it was.

Outstanding. This is a different Ireland side in the second half.

John Barclay, you can see, solid position, he's on it. Consistent

refereeing because a similar one to Sean O'Brien's in the first half.

What a different side we have here. Earls has been on the ball, Sean

O'Brien has been on the ball. At half-time they have reacted well and

that is what good-sized do. They win on the gain line better, big carries

generating some big ball. That's what Ireland have done. They play

amazing rugby but they generate big ball and you can play with how you

like. Gordon Reid is on in the Scottish front row for Allan Dell.

It's been a hard afternoon for Dell. There is Gordon

. For the last Scottish attack, you saw that the first half, everything

touched to gold. They didn't have to go through many phases because they

were so effective in what they were doing. When Ireland's defence was

good and Scotland's attack not quite there, they tried things. When they

did that, the off-load to Tommy Seymour was knocked down at the

turnover happened. Amazing, completely contrasting second half

to what we saw in the first half. High clearing kick from Finn

Russell, you could see it hanging in the breeze. Not too much ground

made. A good and dry conditions now in the air. Underfoot it's still a

bit slippery. A very different proposition, this

second half. Ireland also making a change.

Cian Healy comes on. What a man to have in reserve, at loosehead for

Jack McGrath. Barclay for Scotland. Scotland's try to get some forward

momentum. Russell. Ireland will try to hold them up.

But weighty blue shirts come in behind. A carried by Ross Ford.

Scotland creeping towards the Irish half. Fagerson. REFEREE: Tackle!

Russell. Such a familiar move, try to keep

the man in the air. Russell. Chip charge. A chance for Murray if it

bounces. Zebo outside but inside it goes.

Heaslip for the line. Those only to Maitland, who appeared to save

Scotland. Now, Scotland with a clearing kick

from Russell, under all sorts of pressure on the Scotland line. If

you looked, with Marion's charged down as if it might end in a trifle

Heaslip -- Murray's charge down. It was a mistake as if he went to

ground and regenerated the ball it would have been a try to Ireland. It

was a great read of the ball by Maitland, good defence to work

straight back like that and not panic bust you could see he always

wanted to off-load the ball to Henshaw but you could take the

tackle. At that stage, Maitland it well. Start the potential try

happening. -- Maitland read it well. The sound of Murrayfield again and

the pressure on Heaslip at the line but Ireland's ball. Zebo.

Cian Healy taking it in. Onto the try scorer Conor Henderson.

A mixture of cries for Scotland and Ireland. The handoff comes in for

Henshaw. The Scottish tackle flying off. Kearney! Kearney borderline!

Maitland again the saviour! Thwarted by the score but it had to be the

tackle from Maitland. Did he get his man into touch? Again, for the TMO?

REFEREE: Any reason I can't award this try? Just check number 15. If

he was out of the field when he passed the ball before the

grounding, please. Yes, thank you. The TMO is Glenn Newman. Kearney

thought he was out. Such a good run down the line. But Maitland, did he

save Scotland once more? It looked like a great tackle from here. Jumps

into him a wee bit. Is that foot in? Yes, there. But just. Only just!

That's great work by Kearney. And then obviously, by Maitland. Great

play by Kearney. He was an amazing goal-scorer in 2009. REFEREE: A

decision? The player was in touch, line-out, Scotland ball. REFEREE:

Thank you very much. Scotland line-out, it is that close to the

Scottish line-out. All Irish pressure. That 6-point lead is

looking very fragile. Typical line-out. Six points ahead, line-out

caller, five metres from your line, a nervous line at -- difficult

line-out. They aren't to back. Ford goes long. Straight enough says the

referee. Richie Gray was at the back. REFEREE: Use it, blue!

Scotland trying to get a few yards further upfield. It's a long way

into the wind for a clearing kick. He's dug that out pretty well. Can

he get Scotland out of the 22? Ireland will have another

opportunity. Sean Maitland, two efforts in the last five minutes.

Picked on the wing to score tries but my goodness, what an impact he's

had. Two defensive effort, one when he read Jamie Heaslip what he was

doing and then a try saver with Rob Kearney. These are the big

differences in games like this. Mark Bennett is coming on for Scotland.

He's coming on for Huw Jones. The action areas in the second half

pretty much tells us, the descending staircase down to the Irish 22. It's

all happened in Scotland's half, really. Huw Jones. We expected the

miracles that we saw in November. But Mark Bennett, again, useful

player to come on in midfield. It highlights Scotland's strength. He

lit up the autumn. Mark Bennett has been pulling up trees for Glasgow in

the last few weeks. He's in a very familiar role with Finn Russell.

Alex Dunbar in the midfield as well. Line-out ball works for Ireland.

Henshaw. Henshaw still going. That powerful inside centre. It goes to

Devin Toner. Stander. Ireland with Tadhg Furlong, he

wanted to see what he could do to defend those in November. Very

powerful man. So is Stander. Set it back. Rory Best. Into the final

quarter of this match. Stander, one small -- once more.

O'Brien. Scotland's defence, again, punching Ireland back. Heaslip wins

that contest. Still, the legs drive island on bomb

into the 22, again. Cian Healy, this time -- drives Ireland onto the 22.

Kearney. Jonny Gray gets to him. Toner stoops down to take that one

and feeds Stander. 13 phases. Ireland creeping on again. O'Brien.

Murray to Jackson. Ringrose. Up to within ten metres. Murray, again.

Jackson is through! Jackson stretches to score. What a try from

Ireland! They built and built. They have the try. And the conversion

will give them the lead. Super try from Ireland, not a lot of deception

to what they are doing at the moment. They are winning the muscle,

they are winning the battle up front. A bit show- go from Ringrose

got him over the line and then a great line from Paddy Jackson. One

. Excellent line-out. A good finish, he did well to finish it. It's a

great angle. What that did, just able to benefit from some tired

Scottish defence. No wonder, they've had to defend pretty much for the

whole second half, 22 minutes. We spoke about the quality of

Scotland's tackling in the first half. That has fallen off. I know

they put Ireland back a bit there, but they are falling off some

tackles. There's a lot more bite to what Ireland are doing. Jackson

converts his try to put Ireland in front. The comeback, for the moment,

is complete. Again, on the evidence of the second half, no less than

Ireland deserve. Scotland 21-5 up we thought it was a long way back for

Ireland but they just upped their game in every aspect. No doubt, the

second half Ireland have upped their game. Scotland are falling off

tackles, lost speed and bite, they need to get it back in the last 70

minutes to try to get this victory. -- last 17. Iain Henderson off for

Ireland. You can see him in the scrum cap beyond Rory Best. Old hand

. Taken well. Trying to hold them up. Looking to get the ball to

ground but it comes to devil Toner's giant hands. A chance to clear the

lines. Jackson. Maitland waits. Trying to chase down his own kick.

Kearney takes it. Almost stripped of the ball but gets it back. Ireland

once more with possession. Tadhg Furlong.

Murray. Box-kick away. Ireland coming forward but it was into his

own mind and Ireland with another opportunity. Bennett got a hand on

and Ireland complaint, deliberate knock-on. But it was Ireland's poll

anyway. Heaslip. -- Ireland complained. Going forward, Ireland.

Stander sets it back. There is Furlong again. A bit of

space developing out wide. Henshaw. The ball booted back. The referee

says it's fine. Laidlaw gets a chance to play. Nobody back there at

the moment for Ireland. Zebo and eight I is looking Maitland trudging

forward. -- a tired looking Maitland. The ball was touched in

flight it will be island's ball at the line-out. A lots to look at from

the last passage of play -- Ireland's ball. They were thinking

he was offside but there was no rock, there was a tackle. Edwards

calling a penalty but ran into Ryan Wilson. It wasn't Robbie Henshaw

that affected the upending. It was Ryan Wilson. Zebo... These last few

minutes and sums up the game. Breathless. Both sides really

attacking and defending end. To end stuff. Physical. It had everything.

-- end to end stuff. Another change about to be...

Enacted. Tim Swinson is going to come on in the second row. REFEREE:

Green, 11. Seven. Actually, he's going to come on... There's an Irish

change as well. Josh van der Flier coming on. Swinson will go on into

the back row but he can't play... WHISTLE

There is Sean O'Brien. A very effective game from O'Brien and his

latest comeback from injury. To the line-out we go. Devin Toner takes it

for island. The line-out has looked solid for Ireland in the second-half

-- takes for Ireland. Into the final 15 minutes.

Scotland have to find some of that verve they had in the first half.

Ireland have worked their way back in so well. Best.

REFEREE: Six away, no! Thank you. You are just in front. Murray gets a

kick away in front. A wonderful take by Finn Russell but strips. Laidlaw

hurls himself upon the fire half. Ireland with ball again -- upon the

fly half. Taken by Finn Russell almost in midair.

REFEREE: Off, feet, off, feet! Second time. Henshaw gives it on to

Jackson. How well he's played, Jackson. A bit of a poke forward.

Hogg watches. Nothing to be done but taken into touch by Earls. Ireland

playing so strong. So much talk about sex and missing but Paddy

Jackson has been inspirational in the second half. -- about Sexton

missing. Great to keep it in play. So that girls could make the tackle

and put him into touch. It is Ireland line-out will stop -- so

that Earls could make the tackle. They tried to play a novel lot of

game with ball in hand but didn't push it into corners like that. --

an awful lot of game with ball in hand. They had been so good in the

second-half,. WHISTLE This could be the game. 1-point

lead, if Ireland take this over, Scotland have had nothing in the

second half. It is hard to stop this. They need to defend this

line-out and not let Ireland get any further away. Earls coming off and

Tommy Bowe on for Ireland. To earn his 68th cap. Ireland long from

Best. Toner taken and then fed on to Ultan Dillane. Swinson falls upon

it. Scotland... We'll have a scrum if they wanted. I'm not sure if they