Ireland rebounds to beat Scotland 22-13 at Murrayfield

Ireland kept alive its Six Nations title defence at Murrayfield by grinding down Scotland 2213 yesterday.

After being crunched by England on the opening weekend in Dublin, Ireland had to rebound far from home against a Scotland side confident it had the steel and flair to end Ireland's championship reign in the second round.

But after a breathless first half which the Irish edged 12-10, they scored a third soft try for some breathing room and their defense limited Scotland to just a penalty.

Ireland's game management was made easier by Scotland committing 15 handling errors, more than twice as many as the Irish. Scotland also lost three throw-ins. Unlike in the first half, the Scots couldn't get a foothold in the Irish 22 or sustain an attack.

Ireland's regulation win was given some shine by the comeback of flyhalf Joey Carbery, who was on after only 23 minutes when playmaker Jonathan Sexton came off for a head knock. Carbery almost immediately gave Scotland its only try from an intercept but he created the only try in the second half and kicked a penalty to deny the Scots even a losing bonus point at home.

Coach Joe Schmidt believed Sexton will be available for the next match at Italy on Feb. 24.

In another match Wales remained unbeaten after beating Italy 26-15 in the Six Nations.

Welsh Dan Biggar scored four penalties and a conversion.