The gulf remains
Ireland have now beaten Scotland eleven times in a row. Based upon Sunday's evidence, I don't expect that run to end in the near future. Every year Scotland come into this fixture with a renewed vigour, believing that this could be the year they topple the Irish but it rarely even comes close to materialising. Ireland are still a top contender and Scotland still can't get close. The first ten minutes were ominous , Scotland struggled to get any foothold in the game and that theme continued throughout. A Van der Merwe try on the brink of half-time gave the hosts a boost and they added six points in the first ten minutes of the second half. However, after scoring the second penalty Scotland dropped the ensuing kickoff giving Ireland a scrum and they never quite managed to regain momentum.
Pressure grows on Townsend
Gregor Townsend has generally been a positive influence on Scottish rugby. He is coaching the best side the country has seen in decades, but they appear to be stagnating. This leads to people questioning whether he is the right man to continue Scotland's progress. Is he elevating this group of players or are there generational talents who should be bringing home silverware more significant than the Calcutta Cup. This is somewhat reactionary given that Scotland were riding high after a good autumn but surely they have to take that next step soon. How long can this group accept no six nations titles and no World Cup knockout success? For how long will it be tolerated by the fans?
Ireland are inevitable
I was a little concerned for this team when it was announced that Andy Farrell would be stepping away for this tournament in order to prepare for the Lions Tour but Simon Easterby has clearly stepped up in hos absence. Ireland haven't skipped a beat. They were in control from the first minute to the last with a minor blip just after half time and always maintained a comfortable lead. This is an experienced side that is well-drilled and is able to suffocate teams in a very rare way. Scotland are clearly talented but they were simply out-matched by the visitors.
Prendergast continues to grow
This was prendergast's best game in an Ireland shirt. Right from the start he was able to dictate the pace of the game and play in a way that suited him. He simply outmaneuvered the Scottish defence who couldn't get near a green jersey at times. This was a rare occasion in which he played the full match. His performance deserved it and Jack Crowley coming on at fullback late in the game when it was already over seems to suggest that this isn't much of a competition for the ten jersey, At least as not as far as the Irish coaching staff sees it.
Ireland dominated set pieces despite missing players
One key aspect of the game that really gave Ireland the platform to dominate and stopped any attempted Scottish comeback was the set piece. Ireland were solid on their own ball and were consistently able to disrupt Scotland and consequently got on top of them before the danger men could really get involved. This was despite missing Tadg Furlong and Joe McCarthy in the scrum and line-out, Ireland's depth seems to be in a good place and they are well-positioned to go for the grand slam. They are already the only team still in contention to win a full grand slam and are big favourites to win the title.
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