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Scots were masters of Dublin downfall

Scotland’s dreams of victory in Dublin were crushed yesterday, partly by a very efficient Irish side that made the most of every opportunity but mostly by a lack accuracy on their own behalf. It will be a source of great frustration that they find it so hard to win away from home, other than against Italy.

Ireland’s first try came from a pass that was never on.

Peter Horne, who had a day that he would probably prefer to forget, tried a long miss pass, while the better option was the shorter ball to Stuart Hogg, who could have capitalised on a dog-leg in the Irish defence.

Ireland’s try machine, Jacob Stockdale, latched onto it and had a free run to the try-line.

Later on in the half it was Huw Jones whose passing let him down. Bursting through the line, he was faced with a single defender to commit, before passing to Stuart Hogg, who was free and in under the posts if he caught the ball.

Hogg was possibly too wide, but, had Jones’ pass been accurate, it would have brought Scotland right back into the game.

Similar passes went askew in the second half as well when, had they gone to hand, Scotland would have scored – it was infuriating. It is hard enough winning at home. To win away from home you have to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way and Scotland were sadly found wanting in this respect.

Despite these failings, which may not have cost Scotland the game as Ireland were very impressive, there were plenty of positives.

Blair Kinghorn had a fine first start on the wing and showed why many had been singing his praises for his performances with Edinburgh.

He looked a strong runner, frequently bursting through tackles and his off-loading was, at times, extraordinary. He should have a very bright future in the Scottish jersey.

It was also good to see David Denton have more than just a cameo appearance off the bench. He seems to have regained his form, which made him such a compelling player which is encouraging for Townsend, and Stuart McInally just never stops – the hooker had another fine game, despite some hiccups at the lineout.

But away victories are few and far between. This is something that seems to continually let Scotland down.

Undoubtedly, there are a group of players who continue to develop well, yet who are persistently inconsistent in their performances – yesterday another example.

Next weekend they travel to Rome for the final match of the Championship. The goal should be nothing less than victory with a try bonus point to finish on a high.

To win away you have to make the most of every opportunity