IRE
No.Name
15Jordan Larmour, -
14Andrew Conway, -
T
13Garry Ringrose, -
12Bundee Aki, -
11Jacob Stockdale, -
10Johnny Sexton, -
9Conor Murray, -
1Cian Healy, -
2Rory Best, -
T
3Tadhg Furlong, -
T
4Iain Henderson, -
5James Ryan, -
T
6Peter O'Mahony, -
7Josh van der Flier, -
8CJ Stander, -
Replacements
16Niall Scannell, -
17Dave Kilcoyne, -
18Andrew Porter, -
19Tadhg Beirne, -
20Jack Conan, -
21Luke McGrath, -
22Jack Carty, -
23Chris Farrell, -

*Players currently on the pitch are shown in bold

Game Info

Venue: International Stadium Yokohama
8:45 AM, September 22, 2019
All CommentaryKey Events

Match Commentary

81'27-3 End of second half
80'One final scrum for Ireland and then hopefully this match will be put to bed. As a contest, it was ended early. Ireland will have much tougher tests than this, and they know it. But full credit to them for taking care of business as efficiently and effectively as they have. For Scotland, there has to be some soul-searching, plus the injury to Hamish Watson, seen earlier in this half with his leg in a brace, watching on forlornly from the bench, puts a personal, visual full stop on how bad this match went for the Scots.

It's all over, the final gong has gone and the ball is booted into touch. Stay with ESPN for coverage of today's final match, between England and Tonga.
77'Very, very little is happening. Sorry. That's just the truth. Scotland are running nice patterns and passing to each other and things, but it's a training match at this stage.
74'Substitute on - Niall Scannell , Ireland
74'Player substituted - Josh van der Flier , Ireland
71'Ireland, even with a numerical disadvantage, turn over Scotland and win a scrum deep in their own territory. On the plus side for Scotland, things can only get better from here in terms of performance. But they are in must-win territory against Samoa, Russia and (perhaps most crucially) Japan, which has the feel of a knockout match looming on Sunday October 13 -- the last match of the pool phase.
70'Ireland have Tadhg Beirne sent to the bin for some fairly cynical play at the breakdown. That was needless, given the game situation.
70'Yellow card - Tadhg Beirne , Ireland
68'27-3 Penalty goal - Jack Carty , Ireland
67'A penalty for Ireland and another three points on the board.
65'Ireland are thwarting every effort Scotland are making to run the ball. As soon as Scotland make some room, they either make a handling error or see the door closed by an Irish swarm.
65'Substitute on - Chris Harris , Scotland
65'Player substituted - Duncan Taylor , Scotland
65'Substitute on - Scott Cummings , Scotland
65'Player substituted - Jonny Gray , Scotland
62'We're firmly into Mexican wave territory with this match now. Full credit to Ireland for killing it as a contest with a quarter still to go.
62'Substitute on - Ali Price , Scotland
62'Player substituted - Greig Laidlaw , Scotland
62'Player substituted - Allan Dell , Scotland
62'Substitute on - Gordon Reid , Scotland
58'The conversion sails wide, so the gap remains "just" three converted tries. One would be a start for Scotland...
58'Substitute on - Jack Carty , Ireland
58'Player substituted - Johnny Sexton , Ireland
58'Substitute on - Luke McGrath , Ireland
58'Player substituted - Conor Murray , Ireland
58'Player substituted - Iain Henderson , Ireland
58'Substitute on - Tadhg Beirne , Ireland
58'Substitute on - Darcy Graham , Scotland
58'Player substituted - Tommy Seymour , Scotland
56'With a bombardment of aerial balls, there was always going to be a mistake -- and there it is! The ball bounces off two Scots competing for the same high kick, and two passes later, Andrew Conway is in at the corner. That's the game over as a contest, and both sides know it.
56'24-3 Try - Andrew Conway , Ireland
53'This match is beginning to follow the same pattern as the previous meeting between these sides at Murrayfield in February. Ireland are bleeding the clock very effectively with scrums and kicks to touch, and Scotland are too far from the Irish line to have any real chance of launching a comeback. It's not particularly entertaining, but it is devastatingly effective.
53'Player substituted - John Barclay , Scotland
53'Substitute on - Blade Thomson , Scotland
53'Substitute on - Simon Berghan , Scotland
53'Player substituted - WP Nel , Scotland
50'Scotland do get the ball back, though, inside the Irish 22 and Laidlaw is trying to probe that Irish defence. This is the best threat Scotland have had all match. And Laidlaw's pass to Barclay goes to ground! Knock on, Ireland scrum. Barclay lies on the floor, head in hands. He knows that, in the context of this match, was actually a huge opportunity.
50'Substitute on - Dave Kilcoyne , Ireland
50'Player substituted - Tadhg Furlong , Ireland
50'Substitute on - Andrew Porter , Ireland
50'Player substituted - Cian Healy , Ireland
49'Scotland have possession 10 metres inside the Ireland half. They've rarely gone through the phases today, but this is better from them, getting up towards 10 phases. The Irish defence, though, is not going anywhere in a hurry, and so neither are Scotland and it takes a low kick into touch to try and gain some territory. Ireland have looked superbly organised throughout this game.
46'Jordan Larmour tries to attack from deep, but his kick ahead is well gathered by Maitland and he returns in kind, with a nice sidestep or two. But, very quickly, Scotland kick the ball away again -- they are building very little pressure or time of possession, almost as if they know that every breakdown is a threat.
44'A couple of high balls as the teams test each other in the changed conditions, and one is batted by an Irish hand straight to Scotland. But again Scotland can't keep possession long enough to make a difference, a dropped pass by Taylor brings a knock on. Scrum, Ireland.
43'That penalty for pushing is punted into touch, and Scotland will have a chance to alleviate some pressure.
42'Scotland demolished at the first true breakdown of the second half - it is as it always was. A quick breakaway by Ireland and only Hogg's pace thwarts another try, and he's quick enough to make Ireland frustrated enough to push him in the chase.
41'And immediately the conditions become a factor - Furlong having to trap the ball between wrist and thigh as it slips through his fingers on a simple short pass. This is why some teams (well, Wales at least...) have been practicing with balls covered in baby oil...
41'The teams are back out -- and the rain is coming down. This could be a tricky half for the backs. Ireland to kick off. And we're underway.
41'19-3 End of first half
40'Conor Murray will have a shot at goal from the 10-metre line, right in front of the posts. Oh, he's dragged it wide! The lead remains 16 points, but the chasm between these sides feels much, much more than that.
40'Penalty against Scotland for collapsing the scrum. It makes sense to go for the posts at this stage, so Ireland will and they will likely have a 19-point lead at the interval.
40'19-3 Start of second half
38'Lengthy delay as Hamish Watson receives treatment for a serious leg injury. His leg is in an aircast and he is on the injury cart - that's a huge blow for Scotland and Watson, who is nearly in tears as he is wheeled off for what must likely be his last involvement in this World Cup.
38'Player substituted - Hamish Watson , Scotland
38'Substitute on - Fraser Brown , Scotland
37'Jacob Stockdale having a fine five minutes here, a superb burst and chip ahead kick putting Ireland on the front foot. He's turned over eventually and Scotland's defence manages to scramble back into position. Russell takes an excellent high ball after an exchange of kicks, and Scotland have the ball in midfield.
35'"That's a great competition over the ball," commentates referee Wayne Barnes during a fierce maul off the lineout. Scotland have the ball in hand, but a brutal hit from Stockdale on Hogg forces the ball to ground. Perfect timing from the Irish wing.
34'A little bit of Irish indiscipline sneaking in, with contact of the arm at the lineout giving Scotland a chance to boot deep into Irish territory. Russell makes no mistake and Scotland will have an attacking lineout.
33'Worth remembering that in Scotland's last competitive match, they trailed 31-0 at halftime and nearly (arguably should have) won. That was against England at Twickenham on the final weekend of the Six Nations. They need a similar turnaround if they're going to make an impact in this match.
32'Ireland's ability to drive forward with quick bursts into space again proves profitable, and they're deep in Scotland territory once again. It feels like a try is brewing once more, with Ireland working through the phases diligently, but Scotland manage to force a penalty out of them and Scottish shoulders slump in relief. They need the break, desperately.
29'Scotland, for all their struggles, have occasionally looked good with ball in hand. But as soon as it breaks down, they look clueless. First ruck after a good run from Maitland and Ireland get an easy penalty out of the hapless Scots. Wayne Barnes looks at Greig Laidlaw almost apologetically, as if to say "I'm only here to apply the laws, sorry".
27'Player substituted - Peter O'Mahony , Ireland
27'Substitute on - Jack Conan , Ireland
27'19-3 Conversion - Conor Murray , Ireland
25'Tadhg Furlong - TRY! Over he goes from close range again, very well set up by Stander off the scrum. The Irish pack is winning this for their side, and Scotland look absolutely lost already.
25'17-3 Try - Tadhg Furlong , Ireland
24'And then it all turns in Ireland's favour -- Scotland drop the ball working it along from the lineout, and a big punt forward is looking comfortable for Stuart Hogg until it hits the post and leaves him having to take it over his own line and be dragged down by the pursuing Irish hounds. Scrum 5, Ireland. Out of nothing.
23'Bit of a blunder from Stockdale as a difficult crossfield kick from Russell comes over his shoulder then straight through his hands and into touch. Jeers go up from the stands, and Stockdale stares at his hands in frustration.
22'Player substituted - Jack Conan , Ireland
22'Substitute on - Josh van der Flier , Ireland
21'Scotland will look to get on the board, with Laidlaw taking a shot at goal from that penalty. It's up, it's good - a comeback has to start somewhere, right?
21'12-3 Penalty goal - Greig Laidlaw , Scotland
21'Substitute on - Chris Farrell , Ireland
21'Player substituted - Bundee Aki , Ireland
19'Now, what can Scotland produce? Hogg feeds Seymour on the right wing and bursts forward. And Scotland force a penalty on the Irish 22. Good work from the Scots, who needed to wake up and seem to have done so.
17'Just as happened at Murrayfield in the Six Nations in February, Scotland are already facing an uphill struggle 17 minutes into the match. They had to know Ireland would start fast -- so questions have to be asked as to why they've been so second-best in every physical battle so far.
16'A glimmer of hope for Scotland? Sexton slices the conversion wide. Maybe, just maybe, the Irish talisman will have a bad day with the boot.
15'Rory Best credited with the try. If this was a boxing match, the referee might be waving it off already. Goodness me, have the Irish come out with some serious heavy-hitting and the Scots are utterly punch drunk right now.
14'Statement of intent from Ireland: Sexton kicks for touch from inside the Scotland 22, when three points could have been had. They know they're on top, and they're looking to make it count. And they have! A mammoth pushover try! Someone is going to be credited with that, but that was a pack try and then some!
14'Ireland force another penalty against the Scots as they lose patience and come in at the side. Ireland absolutely dominating the breakdown and Scotland -- for all the flair in their back line -- have to figure out a way to keep the ball.
14'12-0 Try - Rory Best , Ireland
14'Player substituted - Josh van der Flier , Ireland
14'Substitute on - Jack Conan , Ireland
12'A roar goes up at Bundee Aki steals from Stuart Hogg at the breakdown. Penalty for Ireland for Scotland holding on to the ball. It's as long way from the posts, albeit in the Scotland half, so no surprise that Sexton is looking for touch with the penalty.
11'Some decent endeavour from Scotland in the midfield breaks down at the ruck, with the ball squirting towards the Irish and Jordan Larmour taking the opportunity to make good ground. However, Scotland win the ball back and a mammoth kick puts Sexton under pressure, and he finds touch around halfway.
8'"Ole, Ole" is the song from the Irish contingent in the stands. Sexton lines up the simple conversion from the right of the posts. Over it goes. 7-0 Ireland, and Scotland have to be concerned about how easily Ireland drove through the middle of their defence there.
8'7-0 Conversion - Johnny Sexton , Ireland
7'Great burst forward from Iain Henderson! The big Irish No.4 takes his side to the edge of the Scotland try line, just beside the posts. "Ireland, Ireland" goes up the calls from the crowd. Penalty advantage. Jordan Larmour dives for the line but is held short. Pushover. Try! And it's James Ryan who burrows over from close range. Great start for Ireland!
6'5-0 Try - James Ryan , Ireland
5'Good defence by Jonny Gray to thwart an Irish attack, with Stockdale having chipped forward well off a lovely offload from Rory Best. Ireland showing their talent early.
4'Ireland deal well with the defensive lineout, but following the clearance, Scotland are building around halfway only for Sean Maitland to miss his pass out wide. Irish lineout eight metres inside the Scotland half.
2'The first big buzz around the stadium as Stuart Hogg makes his first energetic burst forward. Ireland stifle the threat but a good kick by Hogg once the ball is recycled gives Ireland a lineout near their own line.
1'Stuart Hogg, the Scotland fullback, gets the game underway.
1'Scotland to kick off, Wayne Barnes from England is the referee -- and the refereeing is already under the spotlight at this competition. Here we go...
1'The anthems are out of the way, and we're moments away from kick-off.
1'Not many handshakes or glances across at the opposition as the teams stand next to each other, before emerging out of the tunnel and into a thunderous atmosphere. The players know they're at the Rugby World Cup now!
1'The teams are completing their final preparations in the dressingrooms, and the stadium PA is ramping up the atmosphere with some high-energy dance music. There's a good smattering of blue shirts in the crowd, but it's an overwhelmingly Irish backing in Yokohama.
1'Scotland do have two key contributors back in their pack, compared to that February defeat. WP Nel is back in the front row, while John Barclay starts at flanker.

Conor Murray and Jacob Stockdale were the early try scorers for Ireland at Murrayfield, and they start again today. But perhaps the biggest change for the Irish compared to February is having CJ Stander back at No.8, bolstering an already superb pack.
1'When these teams last met, in the second weekend of the Six Nations in February, Ireland hit Scotland hard at Murrayfield with two tries in the opening 17 minutes. They then stifled any comeback in the second half with some superb defence and ran out nine-point winners.

Might we see a similar pattern today? It will certainly take a fast start from Scotland if they are to gain a foothold in the match.
1'Hello and welcome to ESPN's live coverage of the biggest match of Pool B -- the world's No.1 ranked team, Ireland, facing off against their fierce Six Nations rivals Scotland.

The prize for the winner: bragging rights, and a surer path to the knockout phase.

The price for the loser: a probable quarterfinal against two-time defending champions New Zealand. Yikes!
1'0-0 Start of first half

Rugby World Cup 2019 News