Ireland have bounced back from their week one loss to England to notch a hard-fought 22-13 win over Scotland.
Ireland survived the loss of Jonny Sexton to injury in the first half to grind out a tough victory.
Scotland started brightly at Murrayfield but a mix-up at the back gifted the visitors an early try to Connor Murray.
Tommy Seymour threw an unnecessary pass and Murray pounced to score.
Scotland lost Stuart Hogg to injury, and then went further behind after a brilliant set backline play.
A planned move unleashed Jacob Stockdale and he raced away from 45 metres out to touch down.
Ireland took a commanding 12-3 lead in the 17th minute.
But Scotland, after Joey Carberry replaced Sexton, hit back through Russell. The fly-half intercepted Carberry’s pass and offloaded to Sam Johnson for a quality try.
Greig Laidlaw converted to make it 12-10.
Ireland withstood huge pressure right before half-time to keep their two-point buffer at the break.
In the second half the visitors found a second gear to close out the match.
It was the sub Carberry who burst through the middle and set up Robbie Earls for the try in the corner.
In the 62nd minute Laidlaw cut it back to 19-13 with a penalty goal.
But with 12 minutes left Carberry nailed a penalty of his own to take it to 22-13.
Scotland pushed for a response but their handling let them down. The hosts made 14 errors to just seven for Ireland.
The victory moves Ireland up to fourth spot on the Six Nations table with four points.
Final score
Scotland 13
Ireland 22
Declan
Guest
Joey Carbery and Keith Earls. Otherwise, good match report.
Joe
Roar Rookie
It was a poor performance from both teams in my view. The Irish never really looked comfortable, and before getting injured, Sexton looked quite unsettled. He doesn't really seem to be enjoying his rugby at the moment. Either team could have won, and Scotland will be ruing some missed opportunities. Overall, I think Ireland have had a poor start to the six nations. It makes we wonder whether they really are RWC contenders? On current form I would say no. I have been arguing on The Roar that the Irish player age profiles are just a few years too old to set them up for a win in the world cup. Many of their key players are in a transitional stage of their career. Sexton is 33 - and looked every bit of it in his last two outings. Rob Kearney was back, and played exceptionally well, but he is 32, and his running with the ball, whilst good yesterday, has faded over the past few years. Cian Healy is 31. Even Conor Murray is 29. Peter O'Mahony is 29, and Keith Earls is 31. Earls form has been very mixed of late - although he did score a good try yesterday. And their captain, Rory Best is 36. Whilst I think the great teams have always had a good mix of experience and youth, I think Ireland have too much 'experience' in their squad in key positions, making them vulnerable to injury. Whilst Schmidt is the master planner, I don't think he has blooded enough youth, and I think this will come back to haunt the Irish in Japan.
Melburnian
Roar Pro
Scott Johnson was DoR not coach so you cant blame him for Scotland's poor performance on the park. But look back to Scotland both at national and provincial level before he became DoR and they were dire. At least they made progress unlike the Wallabies who regressed.
Jock the sock
Guest
Do you really believe Scott is going to improve the wallabies, it is to cover ra,s backside.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Having watched Scotland again this week I am unable to understand how of all the talent available in World Rugby Ralene picked Scott Johnson.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Good to wake up to a win for Ireland....am just starting to watch now, and bits of Ireland's play too like last week. I don't like Murray kicking so early...and not well. Ireland ending up defending in their own half most times. Liked elements of the first Irish try....excellent little kick by Stockdale, and then no attempt to "milk" a penalty....just got to his feet, and followed the play. Good work by Murray to be in the area, and seize on the mistake.