Ireland have set up the ultimate showdown in Twickenham next Saturday after they beat Scotland 28-8 in Dublin this afternoon.
In a game that could potentially give Ireland the championship (provided England are beaten by France), Joe Schmidt’s men secured a bonus point win as they scored four tries to down Scotland who were determined to spoil the party and keep their own championship dreams alive.
Scotland who will be left ruing simple mistakes, will go away thinking about what might have been as Ireland capitalised to seal a crucial victory.
The beginning of the game was a frustrating affair for Ireland as a resolute Scots held firm to frustrate the boys in green early on and that frustration showed when Laidlaw give the lead through a 13 minute penalty.
However Ireland quickly found their feet when Stockdale intercepted a long Scottish pass to run in and give Ireland their first try of the game.
Things got even better for Ireland just before half time when Stockdale added another after superb build up play from a 5 metre scrum.
The second half seen Ireland start much better and they were rewarded when Murray made a trademark darting run to put Ireland 21-3 up.
Scotland though weren’t done yet and if their build up play in the first half had a been as good as the play leading up to Kinghorn’s try, Ireland could have been a whole world of trouble.
But unfortunately for the Scots Ireland weren’t going to be denied and sealed the bonus point victory when Cronin crossed over following a well worked maul from an Irish line out.
Ireland who now have 19 points could be potentially crowned Six Nations Champions if England fail to match Ireland’s result later today.