Keith Earls’ brace saw Ireland through to a third place finish in the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup as Andy Farrell’s side came from behind to beat Scotland 31-16.
Scotland started brightly and led through Jaco Van der Walt’s three penalties but Earls scored his first try three minutes before half-time to give the hosts a 11-9 advantage at the break.
Cian Healy dotted down shortly into the second half and Munster wing Earls added his second score six minutes later to put Ireland out of sight.
Ten points from Johnny Sexton and two Ross Byrne penalties made it more comfortable for the home side although there was time for Duhan Van der Merwe to score a superb solo try.
The result sees Ireland end 2020 on a high, having finished third in this year’s Guinness Six Nations, while an in-form Scotland side’s momentum was slightly halted.
