Scotland set up an Ireland decider

JOB done Scotland's task of qualifying from Pool B has always been herculean and almost every scenario involved them beating Ireland in their final pool game and this bonus point victory over Romania duly set that up.

- BRENDAN GALLAGHER

Now the task is simple, at least mathematically. Scotland need to beat Ireland by eight points or more at the Stadede France while not allowing the Irish to earn a try bonus. Incredibly tough but not impossible. Furthermore they will go into that game with their confidence high and their attacking game in very good shape.

So last night in Lille they needed that win but also wanted to rest key players, so it was a fine balancing act and they performed it well.

Scotland made a bright clinical start with Hamish Watson, wanting his starting place in the Gun XV back, seemingly everywhere with his industry well rewarded in the eighth minute when he trailed Cameron Redpath and was on hand to score Scotland's opening try.

Scotland maintained the tempo and it was Ali Price who sprinted in next following outstanding work from Darcy Graham although the final pass looked a little dubious, certainly more forward than the try Romania were denied earlier in the game.