IRELAND laid the foundation for victory at Stirling on Saturday with a fine first half display, despite playing into a strong wind. Mark McHugh opened the Irish account with a penalty in the 13th minute. Ten minutes later, Shane Horgan's scything break split the defence to put full back Andrew Morrissey in under the posts. McHugh converted.

Winger Andrew Bell then finished off a move which he had started deep in his hall, the ball went going through 10 pairs of Irish hands before the try.

The 15-0 half-time lead did not flatter Ireland. Although Scotland pulled a try back when Gavin McIntyre crossed, an 80-yard break by Shane Horgan to put Simon Cahill in for a try banished any thoughts of a Scottish comeback.