Double injury blow adds to Scotland’s misery
IRELAND dominated Scotland in all facets of their Pool A opener to ease to a comfortable four tries to nil victory.
Scotland lock Adam Gilchrist said: “There’s no doubt that when you play as badly as that then everyone’s head is on the block – and so it should be.
“I’m not going to say anybody deserves their place in the team when they’re involved in something like that. The boys who played are under no illusions – we’re not in a great position.”
Worse news is that both star flanker Hamish Watson (knee) and scrum-half Ali Price (foot) are out of the World Cup because of injuries suffered in the defeat. Henry Pyrgos will fly out as Price’s replacement with Magnus Bradbury called up to replace Watson.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said: “Both Ali and Hamish invested a lot of effort in being in their best physical shape for the World Cup and it’s a shame they’ve only been involved in one game.
“However, we have a lot of belief in our wider group and the new players who’ve been given this opportunity.”
Scotland found themselves three tries and 16 points down after just 25 minutes, with James Ryan, Rory Best and Tadhg Furlong all crossing, Greig Laidlaw’s penalty their only riposte.
Much of Ireland’s attacking success stemmed from Scottish mistakes.
Andrew Conway killed the contest early in the second half after Ryan Wilson spilled a high ball and Jack Carty clipped over a late penalty to complete a miserable day for Townsend and his men.
They tackle Samoa tomorrow, before facing Russia and concluding the Pool phase against Japan.
A powerful Iain Henderson charge set up the first try, evading the tackles of Stuart McInally and Gilchrist, and a few recycles later Ryan drove over.
Best touched down at the back of a powerful catch and drive and Furlong followed soon after following a CJ Stander pick and go from the base of a 5m scrum.
Wing Conway added the bonus point try following good work by Jordan Larmour and Connor Murray.
Scotland managed to get some possession late on after Tadhg Beirne had come on as a replacement for Ireland only to see yellow for killing the ball under his own posts. Scotland went for the lineout but stout Irish defence kept them out.
Ireland captain Rory Best – the country’s oldest ever World Cup participant at the age of 37 – said: “We started really well. We were positive and wanted to attack.
“We know how good a team they are and we’re delighted with that win.”