Ireland carved open Scotland on numerous occasions during their 36-14 at the Stade de France last Saturday, with the likes of Johnny Sexton, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, and Hugo Keenan at the fore of an unstoppable Irish attack.
Arguably, however, it was their defence that was the most impressive aspect of the performance, as it held Scotland to just two late tries, long after the game had been put to bed.
Following Ireland's early try from James Lowe, Scotland had most of the possession and territory for the next 15 minutes of the game, but after failing to get over after throwing everything they had at Ireland, it was clear who the likely winner was.
Ireland's Defence Was Imperious Against Scotland
7 October 2023; Mack Hansen of Ireland before leaving the pitch to receive medical attention during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Scotland at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
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On his Instagram story - which you can view here - Brian O'Driscoll pointed out some of the intricacies and failings of a specific Scottish play that was snuffed out brilliantly by Mack Hansen and the Irish defence.
"Talk about detail," said O'Driscoll.
"A Scotland set play, they swept from the right hand side coming around with Finn Russell, Kinghorn, Huw Jones, and Duhan who is getting a bit confused with what he's doing there."
"Kinghorn, because he's so narrow on Finn Russell doesn't sit down Mack Hansen enough, if he's another step wider it means he probably interests him a little bit more, but also watch this pass from Finn Russell."
"He has to pull it back because Kinghorn is right on top of him, he has to pull it back to the inside shoulder of Huw Jones, and that checks his stride ever so slightly and that's the reason that Hansen gets him and nullifies it, and Ireland turn the ball over in the next ruck.
"Unbelievable defence."
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