Scotland shock Ireland to hand France title

Reuters

SHOCK: Scotland have beaten 2009 Grand Slam winners Ireland 23-20.

Relevant offers

International

Matt Giteau still simmering over Deans snub Gatland looming as Lions coach to Australia John Kirwan honoured to coach Barbarians Ireland unhappy at date for France rematch Sebastien Chabal to play Australian club rugby Casey Laulala shifting from Cardiff to Munster France name unchanged squad for Scotland England fight back to edge Italy in Six Nations Question mark over France-Ireland date Wales outclass Scotland 27-13 in Cardiff

Scotland avoided the Six Nations wooden spoon this morning (NZ time) with a 23-20 win over Ireland that cost the hosts a fifth triple crown in seven years, spoiled the final rugby match to be played at Croke Park and handed the title to France.

Ireland went into the game still with a slim hope of retaining the title but after a good start found themselves up against a rejuvenated Scottish side who took the honours when flyhalf Dan Parks landed a nerveless touchline penalty a minute from time,

Ireland, on six points, are likely to finish second behind France but could slip to third if England win in Paris in the tournament's final game.

Scotland, with three points following last week's home draw with England, finish fifth.

"It feels fantastic I think we've deserved a lot more than we got in this championship and today was a just reward," Parks told the BBC.

"We came here to spoil a party and that's what we've done and it's going to be a good night out," added Parks, man of the match three times in the championship but today taking the award for the first time in a winning team. Parks began the game as he finished it, launching a huge kick into the hosts' corner to relieve early Irish pressure and from the resulting phases, opening the scoring with a penalty six minutes in.

That lead lasted only a few minutes as Ireland flyhalf Jonathan Sexton, lively early on, exchanged quick passes with centre Gordon D'Arcy for the third time in 10 minutes and sold a superb dummy to put Brian O'Driscoll through for his first try of the tournament.

Scotland, who had struggled to score tries all year, replied just as quickly by catching Ireland napping on the left wing where number eight Johnnie Beattie bulldozed past three defenders to touch down in the corner.

Ireland resumed control of possession but silly mistakes that dogged them for the rest of the game cost them any meaningful opportunities and Sexton missed a chance to retake the lead on the half hour with a long but gettable penalty.

Parks had a much easier chance in front of the posts three minutes before the break and added a quick drop goal to give Scotland a seven-point halftime advantage.

SHOCK WIN

Sexton, who has struggled with his place kicking all tournament following a cool debut late last year, missed an early second-half shot before Parks extended the lead to ten points after 47 minutes.

With experienced Munster flyhalf Ronan O'Gara ready to come on, Sexton clawed three points back with his last kick of the game four minutes later.

Parks missed a tricky effort of his own with a quarter of the game left and Scotland's lead was wiped out 15 minutes from time after O'Gara showed Sexton how it's done by converting wing Tommy Bowe's third try of the campaign from a tight angle.

Parks traded penalties with O'Gara, the Munster man's second successful effort giving the home fans hope of departing Croke Park for the rebuilt Lansdowne Road on a high.

However they ended their four seasons at the home of Gaelic sports on the same losing note they began on following a great chase, Ireland were penalised for holding on.

Parks duly slotted the kick to give Scotland their first championship win over Ireland in nine and only their second Six Nations away win in 20 games. Coach Andy Robinson, who saw his team throw away victory in Cardiff and draw with England last week, said: "We got a bit of luck at the end of the game, got the penalty and Dan kicked a great kick but I think the endeavour, the way we've tried to play this season, the guys deserved the plaudits.

"I'm really pleased with the way the team have approached the game. We scored a try, that made a real difference, and we kept the composure right to the end.

"Ireland played really well at the start but we held in and adjusted to the pace of the game and performed really well."

The shock win also sent France into their final game against England with the title in the bag and just the grand slam to aim for.

- Reuters