Hogg, Laidlaw get Scotland off to winning start in Six Nations

Scotland 24-22 Ireland, Murrayfield
Scorecard

Fullback Stuart Hogg scored two first half tries while Greig Laidlaw contributed with 12 points as Scotland resisted a spirited comeback from Ireland to register a 24-22 win in the opening game of the Six Nations at Murrayfield.

This was also the second time Scotland have registered a victory in the opening round of Six Nations history.

Scotland capitalised on early errors from Ireland as Garry Ringrose made his way away from the defensive line inside Ireland 22 to allow Hogg stroll past the post in the eighth minute of the game allowing Laidlaw to add the extras.

The lead increased to 14 points at the end of the first quarter after Hogg went past the line for the second time in the game in the 20th minute and Laidlaw was spot on with the conversion once again.

Ireland had some respite when wing Keith Earls touched down in the 25th minute but Jackson failed to score the conversion. However, it was Scotland, who had the last laugh at the end of the first half after centre Alex Dunbar and Laidlaw contributed with a try and a conversion in the 28th and 29th minute respectively.

A 33rd minute penalty from Jackson reduced the trail for Ireland to 13 points at half-time.

Joe Schmidt's men came with a lot of intent in the second half as lock Iain Henderson scored the second try for the visitors in the 47th minute and Jackson's conversion reduced the gap to six points.

Conor Murray and Jamie Heaslip came up with another powerful effort but was put off by Ryan Wilson. However, Ireland kept pushing the Dark Blues and eventually succeeded when Jackson stretched and scored a converted try to bring the visitors to a one-point lead.

Just when Scotland were losing their plot, skipper Laidlaw scored back-to-back penalties in the 72nd and 80th minute to secure a thrilling five-point win for his side.