Ireland have no answers as Scots pile on the power

A SECOND-HALF surge saw Scotland power past Ireland to secure their highest finish in six years and record successive Six Nations wins for the first time in 17 years.

Points were at a premium in the first-half with Meryl Smith’s try just before the break giving Bryan Easson’s side a slender 5-3 lead. But the Scots shifted gears in the second-half and dominated up front to add five tries and subject Ireland to their fifth loss of the tournament.

“It was an amazing atmosphere; it completely lifted the team,” said player of the match Smith. “The last few years we have been so close but this year we’ve had that extra edge and been more clinical.

“We’ve been building week on week and the last few games have really shown that.”

Ireland fired the first shot when Dannah O’Brien landed an early penalty but the hosts grew in stature as the half went on and began to provide a real threat with captain Rachel Malcolm and scrum-half Mairi McDonald linking beautifully to drag Scotland inches away from the Irish line, only for a penalty at the ruck to put a halt to their best chance of the half.

Scotland’s persistence eventually paid off on the stroke of half-time as Smith picked a beautiful line off the maul to thunder over and give the hosts a two-point lead at the break.

The Scots deployed their power game to open the second half, making inroads in the tight and forcing Ireland to infringe repeatedly.

And as they plugged penalties into the corner, Scotland were rewarded for their bright start as hooker Lana Skeldon spun off the back of a maul to score. But Ireland hit back almost instantly as captain Nichola Fryday bundled over from short-range after a period of sustained pressure. O’Brien added the extras to draw the scores level at 10-10.

Ireland’s joy didn’t last long though as Scotland prop Leah Bartlett burrowed over after Smith created the initial bust, scything through the Irish defence from the lineout. Francesca McGhie then provided the moment of the match as the 19-yearold’s stunning solo score left the Irish defenders chasing shadows. Malcolm got in on the act and added a fifth try before full-back Chloe Rollie crossed to secure a historic win in front of a record Scottish crowd.