O’Connell leads way in dramatic finale to Six Nations
Ireland skipper inspires side to 40-10 win over Scotland, putting them ahead of Wales in bid to retain crown on last day of title race
Paul O’Connell led from the front for Ireland in what was likely to be his Six Nations swansong, his first try in the championship for 10 years setting his team on their way to a 40-10 victory over Scotland and putting them ahead of Wales in the dramatic last day of title race.
The outcome of the championship still depended on the result of England's later kick-off against France at Twickenham, with the home side needing to win by 26 points.
But Ireland did their best to hold on to their crown, flanker Sean O'Brien bagging a brace of tries and former New Zealand under-21 centre Jared Payne scoring his first try for his adopted country.
We knew we were in the right place even after the Wales defeat and I thought we played some fantastic rugby at times
Outside half Jonny Sexton weighed in with 18 points from the boot, giving Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt a convincing victory over his former coaching partner Vern Cotter, who presided over a wooden spoon and a whitewash in his first season in charge of the win-less Scots.
"It is fantastic as we were under a lot of pressure," the 35-year-old O'Connell told the BBC.
"We knew we were in the right place even after the Wales defeat and I thought we played some fantastic rugby at times.
"We will have our post-match meal and it will be a nervous afternoon."
O'Brien, who only returned to the Ireland side for the tournament after months of injury woes, said it had been a good performance in what was a record-equalling victory - emulating the 36-6 triumph in 2003, also at Murrayfield.