Sexton kicks Ireland to 19-12 win over Scotland

Ireland 19-12 Scotland, Aviva Stadium
Scorecard

Johnny Sexton kicked all 19 points as Ireland edged out Scotland with a seven-point win in their opening game of the Six Nations at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Caelan Doris did not have an auspicious debut as he left the field with an injury in the fifth minute and was replaced by Peter O'Mahony.

Adam Hastings, who took the kicking responsibility in the absence of Finn Russell started the proceedings with a penalty goal for the Dark Blues.

The response from Ireland came in the 16th minute when Sexton crossed the whitewash following a pass from Conor Murray. The Irish captain also kicked the conversion making it 7-3 but Hastings' penalty goal in the 16th minute helped Gregor Townsend's men reduce the gap down to one point.

As the half-time was approaching, Sexton with his maiden penalty kick ensured Ireland finished the first half with a 10-6 lead.

The first 30 minutes of the second half saw both Sexton and Hastings exchanged two penalties apiece as the scoreline became 16-12 before the Irish fly-half landed another three-pointer with seven minutes left in the game to complete a 19-12 victory.

Ireland will now host Wales in the second round of the tournament at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 8th February while Scotland will lock horns with England at BT Murrayfield Stadium.