Ireland and Scotland are both currently giving everything they have to lift the Triple Crown and put themselves in a position to be crowned Six Nations champions with Ireland currently leading 19-7 at the break.
Both sides made an electric start to the game, as there were tries galore in the opening 12 minutes of the match, as Jamie Osborne went over first for the Irish, followed swiftly by Darcy Graham in response for the Scottish before Dan Sheehan went over to restore Ireland’s lead and make it 14-7.
Andy Farrell’s team would score a third try in the 20th minute as Rob Baloucoune finished off a fine set-piece move to make it 19-7 as Jack Crowley missed his conversion attempt.
Ireland and Scotland have played some scintillating rugby at times in the first half, with several players impressing on either side, with the likes of Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson Park and Graham standing out.
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However, fans on social media seemed to single out one player in particular for being head and shoulders above every other player on the pitch with his performance, as they believed Stuart McCloskey had shone brighter than anyone else in the first half.
One fan was impressed by his assist for the Baloucoune try, as they said: “Is there anything McCloskey can’t do? absolutely on the money.”
Another believed that this performance is just a continuation of his tournament so far, as they said: “McCloskey is absolutely sensational in this tournament, as evidenced by this delicious caviar for Baloucoune. Best player of the tournament?”
The Ulster player is likely to be in the conversation for the Player of the Championship, as he has been Ireland’s best player throughout the campaign, being key to everything they have done in attack with his carrying and passing.
However, he has also been immense in defence too throughout the tournament, with the iconic clip of him chasing down Marcus Smith in Twickenham as the English international looked destined to score a try.
McCloskey’s defensive performance has also been impressive against Scotland to this point, with one key moment that fans on social media believe shifted the momentum of the game as the Scots looked to score their second try.
One fan noted: “McCloskey blocking Finn Russell’s kick after earlier tackling him into conceding a knock-on. He’s 100% Ireland's player of the tournament!!”
While another added: “Stuart McCloskey relieves Ireland of the Scottish attack. What a campaign. Every match he’s bringing something special. 17 minutes on the clock. Three tries within the first 12 minutes.”
The match has been a phenomenal watch in the first half, and fans will be hopeful it can continue after the interval, with those in green likely to pray that McCloskey carries on his performance because this should help see them lift the Triple Crown.
Topics: Rugby, Rugby Union
Brendan McGilligan