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Ireland 19-12 Scotland•
Scotland hurt by Stuart Hogg’s tryline howlerA new coach, a new captain, but the result was the same as always for Ireland against Scotland at Lansdowne Road. Andy Farrell may not remember his first game as Ireland’s head coach with any particular pride, such was the error count. Defiance and hunger, though, remain palpable
Irish characteristics. They needed them as they withstood a last-ditch assault on the line by Scotland.
Nobody could have complained particularly had Scotland snatched the draw, but their hunt for a win at this ground will stretch on beyond 22 years. They have a new captain, too. While Johnny Sexton marked the era of his captaincy with an accumulation of points with his usual ruthlessness, scoring all 19, Stuart Hogg marked his era as Scotland’s captain with one of the more toe-curling howlers, dropping the ball with the line at his mercy.