Six Nations 2020: Ireland 19-12 Scotland

Captain Johnny Sexton led by example with all 19 Ireland points in head coach Andy Farrell’s 19-12 debut win over a wasteful Scotland in their Six Nations opener.

Talisman Sexton and former assistant Farrell were both adjusting to new roles at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday following the post-Rugby World Cup departures of Rory Best and Joe Schmidt.

But the Leinster fly-half ensured it was a winning, if not wholly convincing, start to a new era for Ireland in Dublin, where new Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg fumbled when he looked certain to score in the second half.

It was Sexton who scored the only try of the match in the first half and his boot thereafter maintained an Irish advantage on a frustrating day for Scotland, with four Adam Hastings penalties proving to be in vain

Gregor Townsend’s men came flying out of the blocks and Hastings – replacing Finn Russell after he was punished for a breach of team discipline – kicked the first points with five minutes played, albeit after a lengthy stoppage as home debutant Caelan Doris had to make an early exit with a head injury.

But Ireland rallied in impressive fashion and led through Sexton’s try, the new skipper stepping through a gaping hole in the visitors’ defence to go over after 10 minutes.

#TeamOfUs

Here’s the first half try from Johnny Sexton. #ShoulderToShoulder #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/wQBMYDezmy

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 1, 2020

A second Hastings penalty checked Ireland’s momentum, but continued spells of Scotland pressure were not rewarded with a try, Farrell’s side standing firm time and again in front of the posts.

Sexton’s pinpoint penalty restored some daylight on the scoreboard, although a further missed effort moments later gave Scotland a lift heading into the break.

Optimism in the away ranks soon mellowed as the continued concession of penalties allowed Sexton to swiftly add another three points from 15 metres.

And Scotland passed up a huge opportunity with just under half an hour remaining, skipper Hogg mishandling in the corner unchallenged when a try looked inevitable.

The play was instead pulled back for a penalty, which Hastings dispatched, and the Scotland number 10 then responded to Sexton’s third successful penalty with his fourth to keep his team in contention.

But an inability to cross the try line to breach a stoic defence proved costly, and Ireland’s sole try was enough as Sexton again kicked well when Sam Johnson foolishly barged Andrew Conway off the ball, before a dramatic late stand sealed a scrappy victory.

O’Mahony, Henshaw show Irish depth

Farrell was dealt an early blow as he lost the previously uncapped Doris after just five minutes, the new man having made a bright start. But the depth of talent in this Ireland squad was evident as they could instead turn to Peter O’Mahony.

The 65-cap star won one vital turnover in front of the home try line, as Robbie Henshaw also came off the bench after an injury to Garry Ringrose.

Scots not nearly clinical enough

While 2019 will not be remembered especially fondly by Scotland fans, they did enjoy one scintillating second half in an epic draw away to England – inspired by Russell, notably absent here.

Townsend’s side tore through England at will that day but badly lacked the same ruthlessness this time. A try-less first half really should have been followed by a Hogg score and they knocked out on the door in the closing stages without reward.

Key Opta facts

– Ireland have won all six of their Six Nations games against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium. Scotland’s last win in Ireland was back in 2010 at Croke Park.

– Only once in the previous four seasons have Ireland won their opening game of a Six Nations Championship. They went on to win the Grand Slam in the year they managed to do so (2018).

– Scotland have just seven wins in 51 away matches in the Six Nations, five of those coming in Italy 

– Scotland had scored a try in 19 consecutive Six Nations matches before this, their longest such run in the tournament and the longest active run of any nation heading into the competition.

What’s next?

Ireland are at home again next week for a mammoth clash with 2019 Grand Slam winners Wales. Scotland’s task does not get any easier as they welcome World Cup runners-up England to Murrayfield.

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