The second game on Sunday, brought the first home nations into combat. A celtic clash with effects that would be felt by the home nation as well as those back home in Europe. Fighting for most likely top spot, Ireland dominated Ireland in a wet Yokohama International Stadium.
The overall game from Ireland was simple but ruthless with Scotland being unable to get any progress and implement their own attacking game plan. Ireland stated their intentions early with Iain Henderson making a physically baulking run own the centre of the park. This was followed by a series of pick and gos from Ireland as they set the tone for a physical game that Scotland never quite matched.
A really key element of this dominance was Ireland’s ability to defuse Scottish attacks in the wide channels. The Irish easy flowing to rucks, and competing often winning unrovers. The rucks in the 15m channels for Scotland quickly became a poisoned chalice, with them being unable to support their own players in the wide channels.
This was shown quite early on in the 19th minute, when Ireland were able to disrupt Scottish ball. On this occasion it ended in a Scotland penalty but it really showed Irish superiority. The ruck before the Penalty, Laidlaw wasted time being put under pressure from Stockdale as the ball rolled out. Then the next carry Stander was a menace causing a problem,only to be let down by a teammate who got trapped in the ruck, as it had been a tip on.
However, it also showed Scotlands intent being denied by their own players. Ireland’s ability and desire to keep working to compete over the ball seemed to be the story of the first half. Scotland also looked trapped in a place they couldn’t escape. Stretching Ireland but never breaking them. In the 19th minute their ability to find the edge showed cracks, fully exploited an Irish turnover in 29th. The only difference this competition came off the first ruck.
The key being that because Van der Flier and Lamour competed on the first ruck they were able to expose Scotland’s lack of support in the wide channels. This is what caused problems for Scotland all day but it was just one symptom of an underwhelming performance. The misread from John Barclay causing the turnover as Scotland looked to take advantage of the break by maitland. However, it opened the opportunity for Lamour to swoop, who not even Hamish Watson could remove. These two examples, 10 minutes apart showed just how wasteful, and off the pace Scotland were.
This surrendering of possession killed the Scottish attack, which became a blunt object with no real finish to take advantage. But there are two teams in a game of rugby, and so despite all Scotland’s failings,it was Ireland’s ability to take advantage that decided the game.
One clear example of this was the Henderson break in the first 5 minutes, leading to the first Irish try. The strong line by the irish lock took advantage of an over fold by Stuart Mcinally and confusion from Grant Gilchrist as he was faced with two Irish options. The weak tackles allow Henderson to carry up to and over the 22 finishing within 5 metres of the scottish line. Quick ball is granted when Sexton and Healy work together and clear the ruck. They use this quick ball to keep it tight.
The well oiled Irish machine now starts to rreally grind scotland up. Murray takes charge with Sexton as chief overseer. The return to systems and the success of 2018 take over. The close carries keep battering at the Scottish door. This pressure leads to an immediate score as the Scottish forwards are unable to wrap round the corner following a switch in direction, with pace coming from Lamour. This trapped previously floating forwards, and enabled Ireland to barrel after 2 more phases.
The organisation and ruthlessness for this try was incredible. Sexton and Murray each workinground each other, with no visible angst or worries. Sexton giving up commands to his partner, and attacking when told. This cohesion from playing over 50 times together clearing showing.
Murray really took charge of the attack controlling the game perfectly from the close quarters, relieving pressure from Sexton. His constant attacks down the blindside gained ground and exposed a scottish weakness, opening wounds. These attacks down the blindside, came mainly off set piece possibly helping to expose a Scottish defence set on pushing and covering the openside.
The attacks down the blindside often relieved pressure and really put scotland under the cosh. In the frame above, Murray kicks ahead and puts Scotland on their own 5m line. Below, Stockdale kicks ahead and regathers to bring Irish possession into the opposition 22. This pressure and forward momentum is reflected in the stats, with Ireland generating forward momentum of 70% more than doubling Scotland’s 30%.
This also led to Ireland scoring over 35% of the time when in Scotland’s half. This ruthless efficiency was really the main difference between Scotland and Ireland. While Ireland were able to control the game, and make themselves opportunities attacking and defending with ease, Scotland struggled with basics and gave the ball away too much Surrendering 72% of their possession and only forcing follow ons 28% of the time. This puts the performance in context and shows how abysmal they were when even Namibia were keeping more ball than the Scottish.
Overall, ireland should be delighted. They performed strongly attacking Scottish weaknesses and easily winning the game. On the other side Scotland really struggled to do much. The constant mistakes were taken advantage of and while the conditions may not have helped them execute their gameplan, as a Tier One side more has to be expected, rather than a reliance on Russel and Hogg.
The Analysis Guy 