'I just don’t get it': The Irish pundits' reaction to latest Scotland flop

Irish television pundits believe Gregor Townsend’s Scotland have a ‘mental block’ when it comes to playing Ireland, a team they haven’t beaten since 2017.

The Irish sealed a 43-21 win over Scots to wrap up the Triple Crown on Saturday afternoon after another composed performance from Andy Farrell’s side, who have gone from strength to strength since eventual champions France thrashed them in the opening round back in February.

On the flip side of the coin, Scotland’s ongoing inability to land a statement result against Ireland was once more under the spotlight.

Ireland lifted a trophy Scotland have not claimed since 1990 and the post-match chat on Virgin Media Sport eventually circled back to what has become a familiar Six Nations theme: Scotland showing flashes of excellence, but then not backing it up when it matters.

Presenter Joe Molloy opened the discussion, questioning if Scotland had once again fallen under the ‘flaky’ tag. Former Ireland halfback Conor Murray felt the visitors deserved credit for aspects of their display, but said the excuses are gone for Gregor Townsend’s men.

“We can give them all the credit in the world that they showed up and they played well today. But we were speaking just after full?time and they’re at a stage now where turning up and playing well isn’t good enough. They came here today to win a Triple Crown, one they haven’t won in a very long time.

“So yes, they played well in patches, but it’s about getting over the line for them now, and they haven’t done it. So that kind of mental block about playing Ireland is very much still there and, with Scotland going forward, the inconsistency is probably still a question.”

Peter O’Mahony agreed that Scotland had their moments but said Ireland’s pressure exposed something deeper.

“I thought they played well at times. I thought Ireland didn’t let them play a huge amount. Our defence did a huge job of shutting them down. But again, you saw really uncharacteristic stuff from Scotland compared to last week: Tuipulotu putting the ball down cold, Hugh Jones throwing a few offloads that were going straight to deck. That didn’t happen last week. What’s the story there? I just don’t get it.”

Rob Kearney suggested the fundamentals of Ireland’s defensive and breakdown work choked Scotland’s rhythm.

“They weren’t let play. That’s the bottom line. This Ireland defence and the work at the breakdown was so good that Scotland couldn’t get their game going.”

Shane Horgan, though, felt Scotland had only themselves to blame for compounding that pressure.

“But they exited badly. There were a number of times they could have got up the field more easily and they didn’t. Even Finn Russell missing touch for that kick… At key times they should have just been more consistent. That’s what I think about: the basics. Their basics weren’t good enough today, and Ireland exploited it.

“Scotland did some nice things, and it’s hard to back up a massive emotional performance like they had last week with another huge emotional performance a week after. But on the basics, they weren’t good enough.”