Fans have Jonny Sexton to thank after his incision through the line just before the half brought life to what had been a dreadfully insipid match to that point. Both teams looked as though they had been out on the town the night before with neither prepared to take any risk whatsoever. Unfortunately for Scots, only Ireland got the memo that it was free to play rugby from then on.

That’s not to say that the second half was a free-flowing spectacle either, but it was infinitely preferable to the dross of the first forty. Perhaps the two sides were being sympathetic to spectators and giving them an extra period of recovery from their own evening festivities. Either way let’s hope such conservatism is consigned to the scrap heap as soon as possible, because if ever there was a way not to win the championship, that was a perfect blueprint.

Irish fans will at least be comforted by their second half performance. Their play was much more positive and really there were few negatives, though lack of a penetrative ball carrier in the absence of Sean O’Brien was somewhat exposed. Jamie Heaslip played well and led by example in the absence of late scratch Paul O’Connell, but between he and fellow back rowers Peter O’Mahony and Chris Henry there were precious little metres gained through contact. One might suggest that this is simply a different strategic approach. Against a more stout defense, however, hard yards will need to be gained and it’s not clear who might provide the impetus beyond Cian Healy.

Dan Tuohy took his opportunity well in O’Connell’s stead, and should supplant Devin Toner when the captain returns this week. The Leinster giant lacks athleticism and physicality at the breakdown that Ireland need more than his altitudinal advantage. Andrew Trimble and Dave Kearney went well enough on the wings but some more creative options out wide couldn’t hurt.

For Scotland, it’s hard to see where they turn. Sean Maitland’s injury deprives them of another classy operator and the probable recall of Matt Scott can only mitigate so much. Greig Laidlaw looks completely at odds with the game plan and is probably counting the minutes until Vern Cotter’s arrival, along with every Scottish supporter. Jim Hamilton and Kelly Brown look similarly frustrated, and the latter’s replacement with more than a quarter of the match still to play was a curious decision to say the least.

Scott Johnson will have to make some decisions during the week, as surely changes must be made to affect some turnaround in fortunes with England in wait. Meanwhile Joe Schmidt will be plotting the Welsh welcoming with meticulous detail, knowing that the winner of that game moves into pole position for the title. If they start as they did on Sunday they could be out of the running by half time.

SCORING
13 mins – J. Sexton pen 3-0
19 mins – G. Laidlaw pen 3-3
22 mins – J. Sexton pen 6-3
40 mins – A. Trimble try 11-3
43 mins – G. Laidlaw pen 11-6
47 mins – J. Heaslip try 16-6
48 mins – J. Sexton con 18-6
56 mins – J. Sexton pen 21-6
71 mins – R. Kearney try 26-6
72 mins – J. Sexton con 28-6

IRELAND
R. Kearney; A. Trimble, B. O’Driscoll (F. McFadden 73), L. Marshall, D. Kearney; J. Sexton (P. Jackson 73), C. Murray (I. Boss 73); C. Healy (J. McGrath 64), R. Best (S. Cronin 66), M. Ross (M. Moore 63); D. Toner (I. Henderson 73), D. Tuohy; P. O’Mahony (T. O’Donnell 66), C. Henry, J. Heaslip (capt.).

SCOTLAND
S. Hogg; S. Maitland (M. Evans 32), A. Dunbar, D. Taylor (M. Scott 64), S. Lamont; D. Weir, G. Laidlaw (C. Cusiter 73); R. Grant (A. Dickinson 53), R. Ford (P. MacArthur 67), M. Low (G. Cross 66); T. Swinson, J. Hamilton (R. Gray 57); R. Wilson, K. Brown (capt.) (J. Beattie 57), D. Denton.

Referee: C. Joubert (SARU)
Assistants: J. Peyper (SARU) & M. Fraser (NZRU)
TMO: C. Damasco (FIR)