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Scotland opened their RBS Six Nations campaign with a hard-fought victory over Ireland
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Tries from Stuart Hogg (2) and Alex Dunbar gave the Scots a healthy 21-8 lead at the break
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Ireland fought back in the second half but two Greig Laidlaw penalties secured a historic victory
Scotland survived a thrilling Ireland comeback at Murrayfield to record only their second opening-round victory in Six Nations history.
The hosts had only beaten Ireland three times out of the last 17 but came into the match after a positive Autumn where they recorded wins against Argentina and Georgia on home soil.
📸 Stuart Hogg celebrates after scoring his first try of the afternoon at BT Murrayfield pic.twitter.com/RFKTLpqYWZ
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 4, 2017
Lions hopeful Stuart Hogg dived over for a first-half brace with skipper Greig Laidlaw slotting both conversions to give the hosts an imposing 14-0 lead with 21 minutes on the clock.
Ireland hit back when Keith Earls finished in the corner but Paddy Jackson’s usually reliable boot was wayward, 14-5.
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Nevertheless, Scotland extended their lead before the break when centre Alex Dunbar dived over after an innovative lineout move.
Laidlaw expertly added the touchline conversion to give the hosts a healthy lead although Jackson was able to claw three points back for the visitors with a penalty before the break, 21-8.
TRY!!!!! Iain Henderson over the line – Jackson converts – 21-15 – a one-score game #ScovIre #RBS6Nations
— Wiki Insider News (@W_I_trending) February 4, 2017
Tries from lock Iain Henderson and Jackson after the restart, both converted by the fly-half saw Ireland take a narrow one-point lead for the first time in the game.
Nevertheless, with eight minutes remaining Laidlaw edged the Scots back in front with a penalty before sealing it with another three-pointer late on, 27-22
Scotland: Stuart Hogg