Game Changing Moments - Ireland vs Scotland
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Scotland went into the game looking to defend their favoued Murrayfield territory. Ireland, on the other hand, came into this game looking to bounce back from their defeat to England. As a result there were key moments in the game that led the game to its final result. The key moments in the game were:
Stuart Hogg Injury - 16th minute
While rugby might be a 15 man game, there are players who can just light up the entire team. The electric Hogg is just one of them as he quietly does his business from the back. Having made a promising carry in the opening minutes Ireland would have had him marked. While it was a relief for the away side it was a heartfelt loss for the home side as the fullback had to make an early exit.
The incident leading to Hogg's injury has been hotly debated with Peter O'Mahony making a late tackle that ended the fullback's game.
A sensational first-half at Murrayfield, where Ireland lead 12-10 at the break.
But should Scotland have had a penalty for the injury that caused Stuart Hogg to be taken off injured?
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— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 9, 2019
Jonathan Sexton Injury - 24th minute
A loss as significant as the Hogg loss. The World Player of the Year finally succumbed to his injury in the 24th. Both players looked to play on with their injuries but it was a sitter of a conversion missed by Sexton which really indicated that something might have been wrong. He was replaced by 23 year Joey Carbery leaving Ireland short of a commander.
Joey Carbery had a strong game off the bench creating a crucial try for Keith Earls.
Sam Johnson Try - 29th minute
This try came at a critical time for Scotland as Ireland were looking to close off the game very early. Having dominated in the opening 10 minutes, the home side had only three points to show for it. However, it was Finn Russell's interception against the run of play that changed the game. He was tackled just short and did well to find Johnson with a clever offload.
Scotland defence finally gives in - 68th minute
Trailing by 6 points and with the momentum in their hands. Scotland did well to defend 27 phases. Unfortunately, they finally gave in as they concede a penalty in kickable territory which Ireland capitalised on. Following the penalty conversion, Scotland then needed two scores with 10 minutes to play.
