O’Brien’s late try ensures Ireland win battle of the Celts

By Barry Coughlan

A crucial try by UCC's Peter O'Brien gave Ireland the breathing space they needed on an evening of high drama and plenty of excitement.

It wasn't the best game of the tournament, but it never lacked the cut and thrust one would expect from two Celtic nations.

From an Irish perspective, the margin of victory was that little bit disappointing because it now means they have to beat Argentina in Oxford on Saturday, pick up a bonus point (by scoring four or more tries) and then hope Wales don't do the same (score four tries or lose by seven points or less to South Africa) in their bid to make the semi-finals.

To be fair to Ireland, they have done well. Beaten at the death by World champions South Africa earlier in the week, they recovered to put Scotland to the sword.

It was close but Ireland were almost always in control and coach Michael Bradley was happy at the end.

"We lost our captain Stephen Keogh before the kick-off. He had a back strain and we could have done without that.

"John Muldoon came into the side and did a fine job and it's difficult for a lot of guys having to play three big games in such a short space of time.

"We know where we stand now and we recognise it's not going to be easy. Argentina will pose a huge problem for us but we also know what we have to do to progress to the semi-finals.

"If we win and pick up a bonus point in the process then we have a chance. We can't worry about what Wales might do. It's all up to us at this stage."

Last night, stand-in captain Michael Rainey kicked three crucial penalties in the first half to add to a try by Ciaran Potts.

Ireland led 14-8 at the break after Alistair Warnock knocked over a penalty in addition to a try by Nikki Walker.

The second half was pretty tame but the excitement built when Peter O'Brien stormed over for a 73rd minute try, converted by Rainey.

Ireland looked on the home straight but Scotland made them sweat when Alisdair Strokosch then scored and Warnock converted 21-15 to Ireland but, to be fair, they finished the stronger of the teams.

IRELAND: P O'Brien, K Matthews, B Murphy, G Telford, J Harty, Rainey, F O'Loughlin, J Moran, R Best, D Fitzpatrick, D Gannon, N McComb, J Muldoon, C Potts, N Ronan.

Subs: E McGovern for Moran (60), R Lane for Murphy (62), S Crawford for McComb (78), C O'Loughlin for F O'Loughlin (80), D McAllister for Rainey (82)

SCOTLAND: G Morton, N Walker, G Morrison, P Godman, A Turnbull, A Warnock, M McMillan, J Malokoty, J Henry, A Dickonson, A Strokosch, M Rennie, S Swindall, A Hogg, K Brown.

Replacements: F Thompson for Henry (60), T MacCormick for Swindall (62).

Referee: B Kuklinski (Canada).