Six Nations 2025: ‘Complete team’ Ireland in driving seat after dominant Scotland win
Two years ago, Ireland stood out from a messy, injured game at Murrayfield, which put them on the brink of a Grand Slam.
There may be three-wheel fixtures left this year, but Success on Sunday’s 32-18 In Edinburgh, coupled with the situation where France was defeated by England on Saturday, it means they are the only team that can ensure a clean sweep.
Given the way they put England on the sword in the second half last week, the evidence suggests that it will be putting all-round efforts by Wales, France or Italy to give Ireland a hope of a third consecutive six-nation champion.
Everything will be in the future. But for Ireland and interim boss Simon Easterby, Murrayfield is about putting the mark. They have achieved this with emphasis to ensure the highest return of 10 points from the first two weekends.
They clearly angered Ireland at the victory over England last week. They were slow from the obstacles, trailing in the half and rushing into a big lead in the second half, closing in at the end stage, making two late attempts and losing bonus points to England.
As a result, the motivations of the Irish coach and players in Sunday’s game were clear: the swiftly silent Murrayfield and smashed their host’s dream of having their first green scalp since 2017.
That part of the game plan was nailed, and it set the stage for one of their 11-game winning streak against Scotland.
