Ireland have beaten Scotland 31-16 to finish third in the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup.
Caelen Doris was named man of the match after an industrious performance from the Leinster number 8.
For most of the first half Ireland were frustrated by Scotland and a number of penalties from Johnny Sexton kept them in the game.
Late in the half a Scottish player was shown a yellow card after a deliberate knock-on, giving Ireland the opportunity to forge ahead.
Eventually the advantage told after Keith Earls managed to get on the end of a Sexton box kick.
It meant the home side went into half time leading Scotland 11-9.
Half time score: Ireland 11-9 Scotland #ShoulderToShoulder #TeamofUs #AutumnNationsCup #IREvSCO pic.twitter.com/jLFahDA8DS
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) December 5, 2020
There was no complacency from Ireland at the start of the second half as from the off they attacked Scotland's try line. After sustained pressure from Ireland's forwards, Cian Healy barrelled over the line for a try.
It was not long after that Ireland went further ahead. After a great passage of play from Ireland, Peter O'Mahony put his Munster teammate Keith Earls through to score his second try of the game.
Just when it looked like Ireland were in control, Scottish winger Duhan van der Merwe scooped the ball from the base of the ruck and went straight through the middle after a missed tackle from Rob Herring, to make it 25-16.
Sexton was forced off after 60 minutes after what looked like an injury and his replacement Ross Byrne made the score 28-16 with another penalty.
After Peter O'Mahony had a try ruled out for having a foot in touch, Ross Byrne slotted over penalty to make it 31-16 and that is how the game ended.
The final of the Autumn Nation's Cup takes place tomorrow as England take on France at Twickenham.
Full time score: Ireland 31-16 Scotland - Ireland take third place in the #AutumnNationsCup #ShoulderToShoulder #TeamofUs #IREvSCO pic.twitter.com/BlH2k7K94G
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) December 5, 2020
