O'Gara's boot does the trick

Cork Constitution out-half Ronan O'Gara ensured that Ireland's record at under-21 level remained blemish free with a virtuoso display with the boot, kicking five penalties and a drop goal in the under-21 international at Castle Avenue.

O'Gara's performance was far from one-dimensional: he linked intelligently, made a couple of fine half breaks and judiciously used the elements with some prodigious kicking. His partnership with Tom Tierney was central to Ireland's victory.

The Garryowen scrum-half scored his side's only try, cleverly tapping a penalty to himself eight metres from the Scottish line and using his pace and physique to surprise the defence.

The control exerted at half-back drew others into the match, most notably tight-head prop Martin Cahill who displayed a voracious appetite for work, flanker Barry Gibney, who was equally industrious and effective, and centre Shane Horgan who carried the ball aggressively.