Third quarter dominance shows there's more in Ireland

It wasn't a vintage Ireland performance against Scotland on Saturday, but the harsh reality for the Scots is that it didn't need to be.

It took Andy Farrell's side 65 minutes to put some daylight between themselves and the visitors, and although the concession of a late try to Huw Jones brought the scoreline back to 17-13 and set up a potentially nervy final two and a half minutes, it never materialised, with Scotland's final possession of the game ending with yet another error in the middle of the pitch.

Were it not for the relentless defensive performances of Andy Christie and Scott Cummings, whose combined 53 tackles amounted to 22% of Scotland's total, Ireland would likely have won the game on the bridle.

Ireland's lineout was effective, even allowing for a couple of creaks, but their most dominant scrummaging performance of the last two years laid the platform for the constant territory and possession they enjoyed, particularly in the third quarter of the game.

From the 40th to the 70th minute, the champions produced some of their best, and also some of their most frustrating rugby of the championship.

From the moment James Lowe shook off two tackles down the left wing to open a gap and send Bundee Aki into space, there was an extra purpose and aggression to Ireland's ball-carrying, as they moved away from a kick-heavy first half to a more direct style of play. Scotland showed admirable determination as they continued to make tackle after tackle, but it came at a cost as they lost the penalty count 8-1 in that 30-minute period. That, combined with a long kicking game saw them invite further pressure.

The frustration for Ireland was the conversion rate. Tadhg Furlong was perhaps unlucky to see his potential try not given