I am still shocked by that Scotland performance. The finally did what they have been threatening to do for a while and blew Ireland away in that first 30 mins. Intensity and pace and a little bit of Russell magic.
Superb defence that was so well organised that even tho they missed too many tackles Ireland hardly got an overlap all game. Again its the speed – both linespeed and the speed with which they get back up and into the defensive line
The Gray brothers were immense. Watson showed plenty of fight and did his job well. Nice to see a specialist 7 on the field being a bloody pest on defensive rucks and clearing out in attack.
Fagerson – he is only 21, played a full 80 mins, held up his side of the scrum and very useful in the loose with a couple of turnovers and some good runs. He is going to be very special indeed.
Russell – what can you say. Today most of the passes stuck and so he is the hero. Its always heart in the mouth stuff watching him but his eye for space and ability to put players into space is incredible and he was the difference in the two sides. Plays so flat and bambooozles defences
Laidlaw – a good captains game. Got a bit of pace on the ball when it was on, slowed it down only when needed. Nailed his kicks.
Fantastic performance all round. Finally showed the bottle to close out a close game