Three of Scotland's biggest scalps in the Six Nations

Ireland 2010

In a game that Scotland went into as huge underdogs they were able defeat Ireland 23-20 in what was the last ever Six Nations game played at Croke Park. After going behind to a Brian O’Driscoll try early on It looked as if they were in for a difficult afternoon. However they were able to respond with a try of their own from Beattie and a penalty and drop goal from Parks which gave them a 14-7 half time lead. Parks increased their lead to 17-7 early in the second half and Ireland needed to find a way back into the game. O’Gara was able to reduce the deficit to 7 before Bowe went over in the corner with O’ Gara adding the extras to tie the game up at 17-17. As we entered into the final few minutes the score was 20-20 after O’Gara and Parks had exchanged kicks before Parks was able to give his side a 23-20 lead with two minutes left on the clock. The Scots were able to hang onto the lead and got the win they needed to avoid the wooden spoon.

Wales 2007

A game that will not live long in the memory of Rugby fans but will be remembered by the Scots as it is their most recent triumph over Wales. In a game without any tries it was settled by the boot with Dan Parks in formidable form at Murrayfield that night in a 21-9 win for Scotland. Stephen Jones responded with three penalties of his own but that was not enough to deny Scotland the win. Wales though had the last laugh as they finished ahead of Scotland on points difference at the end of the championship with Scotland picking up the wooden spoon.

France 2006

Scotland don’t beat France very often but in 2006 they were able to put the French to the sword in a 20-16 win at Murrayfield. The game started with Scotland playing the better Rugby and they were able to make their dominance count with Sean Lamont going over the whitewash. France continued to struggle with Scotland’s dominance and fell further behind with Chris Paterson adding two penalties to give them a 13-0 lead. Ellissalde responded with a penalty just before the break with Scotland leading 13-3 at half time. France looked to get out of the blocks early on in the second half but they fell further behind with Sean Lamont grabbing his second try of the game diving over from the back of the maul to give his side a 20-3 lead. France were able to reduce the deficit to 20-16 thanks to tries from Bonnaire and Bruno but it was not enough with Scotland in the end holding on for the win.

Ciaran Fallon