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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Barnes

Scotland 7 Ireland 22: How the Scots rated in Six Nations defeat

Here's how the Scotland players rated in their 7-22 defeat at home to Ireland.

15. Stuart Hogg – Not the triumphant occasion the full-back was hoping for on 100th appearance and now seems to have an ankle injury – 6

14. Kyle Steyn – Some important defensive contributions including a last-gasp tackle on James Ryan which deprived Ireland of their bonus-point try – 7

13. Huw Jones – Was Scotland’s top carrier with 118 metres made and took his try well – 7

12. Sione Tuipulotu – Telepathic understanding with Huw Jones was on display when he sucked in both Irish centres before sending his partner in crime over for Scotland’s try – 7

11. Duhan van der Merwe – A liability in defence who had some culpability in all three of Ireland’s tries, and didn’t get too far with ball in hand either – 5

10. Finn Russell – Scotland needed their talisman to shine but it just didn’t quite click for him and a knee injury means he is a doubt for next week – 6

9. Ben White – Slick service helped Scotland cause Ireland a few problems in the first half with their high-speed gameplan but was limited to scraps after the break – 7

1. Pierre Schoeman – 15 carries was more than any other player and although he tended to be running into a brick wall he kept coming back for more – 7

2. George Turner – A crazy quick line-out gifted Ireland an early try and he was a lucky boy that it was chalked off on a technicality – 6

3. Zander Fagerson – Held his own at scrum time and worked hard around the park before being replaced with just under half an hour to go – 7

4. Richie Gray – Managed just six minutes before suffering a rib injury and being replaced by Scott Cummings – 5

5. Jonny Gray – 20 tackles helped keep Scotland in the battle – but he doesn’t hit rucks with the ferocity of the suspended Grant Gilchrist – 6

6.  Matt Fagerson – Had made the No 8 jersey his own during the last year and just didn’t have the same impact at blindside flanker – 6

7. Jamie Ritchie – Could take a few lessons from Irish skipper Johnny Sexton on how to communicate with the referee because he didn’t seem to be able to build a rapport – 6

8. Jack Dempsey –Loads of tackles, loads of carries and worked hard at ruck and maul time to justify his selection during the first half, but eventually overwhelmed – 7

Best of the rest –

Scott Cummings – Marked his return after injury with a good turnover and could be needed from the start against Italy next week – 6

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