Scotland Vs. Ireland: Key Battles As The Weight Of History On Scotland
Scotland Vs. Ireland: Key Battles As The Weight Of History On Scotland
Previewing Ireland vs. Scotland in the Six Nations: key battles, team lineups and expert analysis. Can Scotland break its losing streak?
"We may fight like cats and dogs, but deep down, we're just two brothers who can't imagine life without each other."
Has a single statement ever summed up two nations better than Scotland and Ireland?
- Subscribe To FloRugby To Watch Champions Cup In 2024-25
- Who's The Best Rugby Team In The World? Here Are The Top 50 Rugby Clubs
- 100 Best Rugby Players In The World: Here's The Full List
Intertwined through history, these Celtic brothers have had a complicated rugby relationship.
Scotland dominated in the 1990s, but Ireland took over in the professional era.
Since 2000, Ireland has won 26 of 32 clashes, yet there's still a perception in Ireland of Scottish arrogance, a notion that can be debated depending on allegiance. Now, in what is arguably the best era of the 21st century, Scotland openly believes it can go all the way.
Despite 10 straight defeats against Ireland, including two World Cup pool eliminations, the Scots know the tide must turn eventually.
Ireland, meanwhile, will stay laser-focused after a dominant Round 1 victory over England. Ireland's new approach under Andy Farrell has blended Leinster's attacking structure with Jacques Nienaber's blitz defense, leaving opponents exhausted.
As the fixture of the round approaches, three key areas will determine the outcome:
Punch Drunk
Scotland's struggle against Ireland is largely down to depth and power. They often have competed well for 60 minutes before succumbing to fatigue.
Ireland’s sophisticated multiphase attack traditionally has broken them down, but this year's strategy is different.
With a defense influenced by Nienaber’s Springboks-style blitz, Ireland overwhelmed England, forcing the English into ineffective kicks.
Meanwhile, a more pragmatic kicking approach has helped conserve energy, allowing Ireland to pull away late in games.
Scotland’s best chance is getting its danger men - Huw Jones, Duhan van der Merwe, Darcy Graham, and Blair Kinghorn - involved early.
Selecting Tom Jordan at inside center alongside Finn Russell suggests a willingness to play wider, using Jordan’s kicking ability and physicality. The gainline battle will be fascinating, given the contrasting approaches.
Bench Impact
Both sides have stacked their benches with impact players.
Scotland’s decision to start Rory Sutherland over Pierre Schoeman indicates a plan to counter Ireland’s late-game intensity.
Opting for a 6-2 bench split, Gregor Townsend has prioritized forward reinforcements, leaving just Jamie Dobie and Stafford McDowell to cover the backs.
Ireland, on the other hand, has gone 5-3, with Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and Garry Ringrose covering the backline.
Their bench, combining experience with explosive power, swung the England game in Round 1, with Dan Sheehan and Jack Conan proving decisive. If Scotland’s starting pack can stay in the fight, the bench could keep them in it, but that’s a big ask.
Kicking Structures
A crucial yet under-the-radar battle will be each side’s kicking strategy.
Ireland has backed 21-year-old Sam Prendergast, with Crowley providing a more physical option off the bench.
Prendergast’s long-range kicking is elite, but he was inconsistent against England, particularly under pressure. He must be precise, as Scotland’s back three, especially Kinghorn, excel under the high ball. His goal-kicking also must improve after a poor Round 1.
Crowley, when introduced, offers a better short-to-mid-range kicking game and a more direct running threat. His presence could shift Scotland’s defensive structure.
For Scotland, Russell’s short kicking game is exceptional, and Jordan’s presence suggests a collaborative approach to longer-range kicks.
If Scotland opt for a long kicking game to target Ireland’s defensive structure, they must be accurate, as Hugo Keenan’s coverage is world-class.
The Verdict
This will be an absolute cracker between two teams that don’t like each other.
Townsend downplayed its importance, but for Scotland, this is massive. Lose, and the hoodoo extends another year. Given that next year’s fixture is in Dublin, their best shot could be two years away.
Emotion aside, Ireland simply is the better team.
Outside of fly-half and tighthead prop, the Irish hold the edge in nearly every position, with the right wing and outside center being the only real debates.
Scotland is a strong side playing at home, but Ireland is trending back toward peak form. Once again, the bench will be the difference. Ireland by 8.
Ireland And Scotland Rosters
Ireland
15. Hugo Keenan, 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Robbie Henshaw, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. James Lowe, 10. Sam Prendergast, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park; 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Rónan Kelleher, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. James Ryan, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Peter O'Mahony, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris (captain).
Replacements: 16. Dan Sheehan, 17. Cian Healy, 18. Thomas Clarkson, 19. Ryan Baird, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Conor Murray, 22. Jack Crowley, 23. Garry Ringrose.
Scotland
15. Blair Kinghorn, 14. Darcy Graham, 13. Huw Jones, 12. Tom Jordan, 11. Duhan Van der Merwe, 10. Finn Russell, 9. Ben White; 1. Rory Sutherland, 2. Dave Cherry, 3. Zander Fagerson, 4. Jonny Gray, 5. Grant Gilchrist, 6. Matt Fagerson, 7. Rory Darge, 8. Jack Dempsey.
Replacements: 16. Ewan Ashman, 17. Pierre Schoeman, 18. Will Hurd, 19. Sam Skinner, 20. Gregor Brown, 21. Jamie Ritchie, 22. Jamie Dobie, 23. Stafford McDowall.
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.