Rollie proves the hero for Scotland
By Harry Scott-Munro
26/9/21
Exeter Chiefs full-back Chloe Rollie was the hero for her side, as her converted try in the final seconds, secured a stunning 20-18 victory over Ireland, that saw the Scots keep their Rugby World Cup hopes alive.
That late score, saw Scotland finish second in the European Qualifying Tournament behind Italy, meaning they will now enter an ‘all-or-nothing’ repechage tournament to secure that final qualification spot.
After a cagey opening period, it took something special to break the deadlock, as Irish prop Linda Djougang, used her power to bust through five Scottish defenders to score an excellent try.
With just over 15 minutes of the first half remaining, Scotland opened their account for the afternoon through a Helen Nelson penalty after Irish flanker Edel McMahon saw yellow for a dangerous tackle.
In the 38th minute, Scotland finally crossed the line, Rhona Lloyd touching down after a perfectly waited kick in-behind from Nelson, to leave Scotland three points up at the break.
The Scots continued their charge in the second half, hooker Lana Skeldon dotting down from a well-worked attacking line-out.
A Stacey Flood penalty reduced the deficit, before veteran prop Lindsay Peat crashed over after the Irish had kept the ball alive for a number of phases. Flood’s conversion saw her side regain the lead, before another penalty extended that lead to 5 points.
With little over five minutes to go, Ireland went hunting for one of the two tries they needed to usurp Italy in the automatic qualifier spot.
Scotland needed something special, and they found it in Rollie, as she ignited her side’s attack with a spellbinding break into the Irish 22.
Ireland’s Eve Higgins then saw yellow for a dangerous tackle on Lisa Thomson, before Rollie burst over the line in the final act of the game, replacement fly-half Sarah Law showing nerves of steel to snatch victory and a repechage spot for the jubilant Scots, as a crestfallen Ireland side were left to come to terms with the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup.
After the match, Scotland head coach Bryan Easson praised the efforts of his players throughout what was a nerve-wracking match.
“We will think about the repechage event soon, but for now I just want to praise the grit and determination these players showed in those last few minutes. There was a turning point in the game when we turned over the ball in our own half when Ireland were 18-13 up and you could see our energy levels going up at that point.
“We knew we’d get another opportunity, and we took it when it came.”