Despite domination in possession and in territory, Ireland have lost to Scotland after displaying a lack of killer instinct.
By Adrian Collins
Ireland had over 80% possession and completely dominated territory, but like Barcelona against AC Milan, it was what Arsene Wenger would call sterile domination.
Ultimately, the selection of Jackson proved too big a stage for a young man who was clearly nervous when playing from the boot given that he doesn’t kick for Ulster, although he was decent with the ball in hand.
Luke Marshall looked a threat in the first half with a couple of line breaks, but it seemed that his team mates weren’t on the same page when he did make progress into Scotland’s territory.
When Ireland should have taken control of the game with Scotland down to 14 men, the usual happened as they failed to make any progress with the man advantage.
When O’Gara did eventually come on, he appeared to be frazzled too, and nearly cost Ireland the whole game with what can be generously described as a fairly poor decision to kick cross field. The resulting penalty, after another poor clearance from O’Gara, gave Scotland the lead that ultimately meant Ireland couldn’t kick their way to victory and had to go all out for the try.
Rob Kearney argued in a post match interview with RTE that the decision making on the day was good, but freely admitted that the team should have gone in at the half much further up on the scoreboard than they were.
While attention will turn to Declan Kidney, whose position isn’t looking as secure as it was after the Wales performance, it should be remembered that there is an extensive list of players missing, including Cian Healy, Jonny Sexton, Mike McCarthy and Simon Zebo.
On the other hand, you have to praise Scotland’s resolute defence, and now put together back to back wins in the Six Nations for the first time in twelve years, a huge achievement for them.
Ireland must now prepare for a game against France, who had a vastly improved performance yesterday in a loss against England.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
