Ireland travel to Murrayfield today to take on Scotland – kick-off 5pm. As RTÉ’s Brendan Cole puts it, “this clash is probably best viewed as the first act in a two-part drama that could end with Ireland picking up the most significant prize in its rugby history – the Grand Slam”. Bryn Palmer adds some useful background detail and Eddie Butler picks out five points in Ireland’s favour.. this time. First up though, even away from home, a much changed Wales side should prove too good for Italy in Rome – kick-off 3pm. Half-time Italy 9 – 7 Wales 2nd Half 58min in. Italy looking for the upset. 60min. Wales respond. 65min. Wales go ahead. 70min. Now Italy in front. 74min. Second try for Wales. Final Italy 15 – 20 Wales. A valiant attempt by Italy, just edged out by Wales. Next Scotland v Ireland 1st Half 7min. Pressure from Scotland brings first points. 11min. O’Gara scores Ireland’s first points. 14min. Another penalty for the Scots. 21min. And another. 28min. Ireland, and O’Gara, pull 3 points back. 30min. Heaslip on for Leamy. 32min. Another penalty for Scotland. 34min. And for Ireland. Half-time Scotland 12 – 9 Ireland. Scotland started the better, mostly the sharper team and are deservedly in front, but Ireland are still in this game. 2nd Half 51min. Ireland much better this half, finally showing some class, and score a great try. 56min. And a drop-goal for O’Gara. 61min. Scottish penalty. Hmm.. 65min. O’Gara misses penalty and O’Leary on for Stringer. 71min. Another O’Gara penalty. Final Scotland 15 – 22 Ireland. A tale of two halves with Ireland shaky in the first but dominant in the second for an eventually convincing win. Only one game to go!
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