Kidney: We kept Scotland in the game
Brian O'Driscoll made a crucial try-saving tackle
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Saturday, 14, Mar 2009 08:31
Ireland coach Declan Kidney felt mistakes from his side was the reason why his side had to work so hard in 22-15 win over Scotland.
The Scots led 12-9 at the break after an indisciplined Ireland gave away four penalties and Chris Paterson took advantage by converting all four kicks at the posts. Ireland also needed a last ditch tackle from Brian O'Driscoll to prevent Scotland from scoring a try.
But the Irish fought back strongly in the second-half to clinch an important win. Jamie Heaslip crossed over for the only try of the match and Ronan O'Gara also kicked 17 points to setup a championship showdown against Wales at the Millennium Stadium next Saturday.
"I told the players at half-time that we were helping to keep Scotland in the game by giving away field position and penalties," said Kidney.
"We were making it difficult for ourselves but it was much better in the second half. It was not overly pretty but we are delighted because it is difficult to come here."
O'Gara, who had a poor game against England two weeks ago when he missed four kicks at goal, was glad to be back in form in a game in which he broke Jonny Wilkinson's all-time Six Nations points record.
"I felt awful after the England match and those two weeks before this game were a long wait," said O'Gara. "I have had bad days before but I keep coming back and that is the most important thing I think."