Ireland get the job done against Scotland, but this was far too close

Having dug themselves into a hole, Andy Farrell saw the climb back out of it as a positive for his developing side

Scotland’s Nick Haining competes in the air with Ireland’s Jack Conan in yesterday’s Six Nations clash. Picture: INPHO/Tommy Dickson

The reaction from Ireland at the final whistle was telling. A victory on the road in the Guinness Six Nations is not to be sniffed at, unless that road leads to Rome of course.

Yet when Robbie Henshaw kicked the ball to touch at Murrayfield to end this absorbing contest after Scotland had spilled the ball in contact, the customary roars of celebration were noticeably absent, despite the Johnny Sexton penalty four minutes from time that edged Ireland over the line, 27-24.