Redpath furious after defeat

Scotland skipper Bryan Redpath admitted his side let themselves down against Ireland, who thoroughly outclassed their hosts to make a winning start to the RBS 6 Nations campaign.

The 36-6 mauling at Murrayfield yesterday saw Scotland collapse to their biggest-ever defeat by Ireland, who ended their 18-year losing streak in Edinburgh.

Ireland’s dominance was every bit as comprehensive as the scoreline suggests but the home side were not helped by their lack of composure at crucial moments, squandering a clutch of try-scoring opportunities.

Brendan Laney was the main culprit as he floated a long pass out wide on the left when Scotland had a clear two-man overlap, but his delivery was poor as the ball bounced harmlessly into touch.

It was a clear case of over-complication – swift hands were all that was needed - and it came in the dying moments of the first half when Ireland were leading 13-0. A try would have thrown the game wide open.

The home side continued to create chances – especially in the second half when they laid siege to Ireland’s line for some time – but failed to put them away, an aspect of the match which infuriated Redpath.

“It was extremely disappointing to lose like that, we let ourselves down,” said the Sale Sharks scrum-half.

“It’s a bit of a setback. Be under no illusions, Ireland are a very good side but our set piece was poor and we never really got a platform going.

“We created several chances when we were still in the game but we didn’t take them. The harsh reality of rugby at this level is that if you don’t take them you’ll be punished.”

Leeds fly-half Gordon Ross was given the kicking duties after Laney suffered a muscle twinge in his leg before the match, an injury which was not serious enough to prevent the Edinburgh back from playing.

Ross’ two penalties represented Scotland’s only points of the afternoon as Ireland’s discipline meant chances were few and far between until later in the match when Scotland were playing catch-up.

Ross followed up his fine performances in the November internationals with another composed display yesterday, but Scotland’s lack of firepower out wide meant his team never generated any real momentum.

Scotland’s deficiencies should not detract from a powerful Irish performance though, and on this evidence Eddie O’Sullivan’s team will be challenging Anglo-French hegemony during this year’s 6 Nations.

Dominant up-front and clinical behind the scrum, the Irish sent a clear warning to England and France – who both travel to Dublin – that the championship is no foregone conclusion.