Scotland 26-19 Ireland: Three things we learned
Scotland dig it outThis was a victory built on grit, determination and a whole load of heart.On the balance of play Scotland should have lost, but every time it looked like Ireland might pull away, the Scots hung in there and found a way back.The defensive effort was outstanding. They made an extraordinary 232 tackles compared with Ireland's 85.The defence of their try line was colossal, holding the Irish up over the line on three occasions and producing crucial turnovers near the line on a couple of occasions just as they looked likely to concede.It was an utter refusal to be beaten and the fact they kept their composure to engineer the chance to send Francesca McGhie over for the winning try at the last was a fitting reward for such a monumental effort.McLachlan makes her markIt was no surprise to see Rachel McLachlan collect the player-of-the-match award. She was immense.She made an astonishing 29 tackles, the most of any Scotland player, and led the way in metres made (62).McLachlan was a constant threat with ball in hand, making the hard yards and also popping up in the wide channels to great effect, most notably for her well-taken try.Her performance typified the doggedness and spirit shown by the Scots to navigate a path through choppy waters to a dramatic victory.Win perfect pre-World Cup boostThe defeat to Italy in round three threatened to cast a shadow over Scotland's entire Six Nations, so to end the tournament on such a high will come as a huge relief to head coach Bryan Easson.Had they gone into the World Cup in August off the back of a campaign of one win from five, it would have been difficult to claim the Scots had any momentum to carry into the tournament.As it is, the win over a very good Ireland side, and the nature of it, should do wonders for the confidence of the team.Easson and the players won't get carried away. The three defeats, especially the one at the hands of the Italians, highlighted areas Scotland need to improve if they are to compete on the biggest stage of all.That said, they will go into pre-World Cup camp in much better spirits after their heroics at the Hive on Saturday.
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