PORTER FUELS DUBLIN PARTY
Ireland Scotland
IT’S sweet-16 titles for Ireland as they finally broke Scotland’s resistance to lift the Six Nations trophy.
After a series of near misses, the hosts’ secondhalf dominance finally delivered Andrew Porter’s killer try with 15 minutes to go, after Dan Sheehan touched down in the first half.
But it was a nervy encounter for Andy Farrell and his side against the Triple Crown-chasing visitors, whose 78th-minute try left the Aviva Stadium crowd on the edge of their seats.
Fortunately for those hoping to party into the night, Ireland held firm in the closing moments.
James Lowe’s kick to touch ended the agony and Ireland’s 16th title triumph – only their third ever back-toback – was secured.
Coach Farrell (above) said: “It was a proper Test match and when a trophy is on the line for the both of us, that’s how it should be, shouldn’t it?
“I’ve no doubt that Scotland will be proud of their performance as well as us, but ultimately we’re delighted.”
Captain Peter O’mahony, who may retire at Test level in the weeks to come, said: “It’s unbelievably special. I think this is probably the most special. It was a tough week that we put down as a group after the loss to England.”
The Scots were unlucky not to draw first blood when Andy Christie charged down Lowe’s clearance and the ball ricocheted into touch.
The hosts impinged at the lineout, gifting their rivals an opening five metres from their line - but Joe Mccarthy turned the tide, ripping the ball from Zander Fagerson.
Ireland went on the offensive. Jack Crowley pinned the Scots back in their own 22 with two grubber kicks and a penalty.
Then George Turner’s overthrow to Grant
Gilchrist sailed straight into Sheehan’s arms for a try in the 13th minute.
The home side came out firing from the restart. Lowe did superbly to make hard yards on the wing before passing inside to Bundee Aki, then O’mahony kept the move alive off a poor Crowley pass.
The Scots went off their feet at the ruck and Crowley tapped over to make it 10-6
Farrell’s side then struggled to find a way through but the Scots conceded a close-range penalty and, with Ewen Ashman sent to the sin-bin, Sheehan’s tap set up
Porter to crash over in the 65th minute.
That, with Crowley’s conversion, gave Ireland the cushion they needed – especially after Huw Jones’ 78th-minute try was converted by Finn Russell.