Earls double guides Ireland to a comprehensive win

Kieth Earls scored a brace while Cian Healy also got the scoreboard as Ireland finished 2020 on a high with a 31-16 triumph over Scotland. The win saw Andy Farrell's men secure third place in the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup.

Jonathan Sexton and Jaco van Walt both missed early shots at goal before Jaco van Walt consecutive penalties to give Scotland a 6-0 after 20 minutes. Ireland got on the board in the 22nd minute through the boot of Sexton with van der Walt reinstating the six point lead soon after. 

Scotland were then reduced to 14 minutes for the remainder of the first half after Duncan Taylor was judged to have slapped the ball down from a Bundee Aki pass. Sexton closed the gap to three points from the tee before the Irish captain created a moment of magic with an excellent cross kick against the run of play.

Robbie Henshaw contested well before Keith Earls dived on the loose ball score the first of his two tries as Ireland lead 11-9 at half. Ireland took control of the game in the second half with Cian Healy powering over from close range before Earls sped down the touchline after a pass from Peter O'Mahony to score out wide. 

Duhan van der Merwe caught the Irish defence napping as he sniped through the defence to score Scotland's only try. Peter O'Mahony had a try ruled out as his boot brushed the touchline but Ross Byrne did manage to add another six points from the tee to secure the 31-16 victory.