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

Finn Russell of Scotland looks dejected during the Guinness Six Nations 2026 match between Ireland and Scotland at Aviva Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Evan Treacy/Getty Images)
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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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BE 44 days ago

Issue is simply, Scotland had a game for the ages against France and simply couldn’t mentally get up for game against Ireland. A bit like England in Japan World Cup, blew away arguably strongest team, NZ , with emphatic display in knock-outs couldn’t replicate against SA in final.

E
Eric Elwood 44 days ago

They turned up for it all right. Didn’t you watch the match? Ireland at their best, were slightly better at home and the result reflected that.

C
CM 44 days ago

All valid points the pundits made. Ireland had a big advantage over Scotland in that a massive core of their side have big pressure match experience from their time with Leinster and Ireland. Scotland, not so much. Scotland still lacking one or two class players who can cause problems at the ruck as well.

E
Eric Elwood 45 days ago

The compere suggested it might be a mental block to get the conversation going.

“They weren’t let play. That’s the bottom line”. A lot more pressure than last week and more errors.

One Scottish player agreed with the “poor exiting” opinion. Ireland got at least one try off it. With 13 mins to go it was 26-21. Scotland turned up. They dried Ireland up at 19-7 and got right back into it. If Ireland don’t play well or perhaps if the match isn’t in Dublin; they lose. It will be a blow to Scotland no doubt. But they should not falter now. They actually have a chance at making a RWC semi or beyond. They should double down. Scottish media was particularly harsh on them which is unfair.

J
John Breslin 45 days ago

Pleasingly none of the Irish pundits called the Scots a ‘flop’


They turned up for sure.


33-21 late on and I thought we need another score to win this. It was a street fight


All of our tries were top drawer which is a measure of the Scots. We certainly weren't walking through them

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