Defending champions Ireland ran in six tries in a bonus-point 38-26 victory over Scotland on the opening night of the Under-20s Six Nations.
Scotland went toe-to-toe with last year’s Grand Slam winners in a pulsating opening period as they trailed 14-12 at Irish Independent Park.
But Jack Crowley’s stunning long-range score on the stroke of half-time proved to be the turning point.
Ireland then kicked on with another brilliant breakaway try from Thomas Ahern and scores from Andrew Smith and John McKee.
But Scotland did not leave empty handed as they deservedly claimed a point thanks to Cameron Scott’s 85th minute try.
Crowley sent the home side on their way with a converted try inside the opening 10 minutes.
Dan Kelly was the architect as he made a piercing break before managing to release the ball to Crowley who wriggled over.
But after fly-half Nathan Chamberlain kicked deep into Irish territory Scotland responded in fine fashion on 16 minutes.
Robbie McCallum made hard yards off a lineout before scrum-half Roan Frostwick fed hooker Ewan Ashman who slipped off a tackle and powered home. Chamberlain converted to level the scores.
Four minutes later Ireland thought they had scored again as lock Ahern went to touch the ball down at the base of the post only for replays to prove inconclusive.
But moments later the television match official saw no reason not to award Ireland a try as tighthead prop Thomas Clarkson burrowed over from close range with Crowley converting to move 14-7 ahead on 27 minutes.
After great work at the breakdown by flanker Rory Darge to earn Scotland a penalty the visitors were back on the attack and soon added their second try.
Jacob Henry missed a great chance when he failed to gather Chamberlain’s cross-field kick but from the next attack Matthew Currie fed Jack Blain who touched down in the corner.
Chamberlain was unable to land the touchline conversion as Scotland trailed by just two points with five minutes to go before the break.
But they were dealt a huge blow at the end of a thrilling half as Crowley produced a moment of brilliance.
After replacement hooker Rory Jackson knocked on, Crowley picked up the ball inside his side’s own 22 before sprinting clear, fending off a tackle from Ollie Smith to score.
Crowley then added the extras to give Ireland a 21-12 advantage at half-time.
The momentum with was the men in green and they extended their lead four minutes into the second period.
Flanker Sean Brien produced a great line and then offload to wing Smith who finished with ease. Crowley added the extras.
Ireland were full of running as they scored another breakaway try.
This time hooker Tom Steward made a lung-busting break into Scotland’s half before feeding Ahern who dived over in the corner.
Crowley missed the conversion from out wide as Irish led 33-12 but Scotland refused to give in as Currie and Ashman continued to threaten.
The visitors got their third try on the hour mark when Chamberlain threw a dummy before sprinting under the posts, leaving him with a simple conversion.
But they finished the game with 14 men when Rufus McLean saw yellow for taking out full-back Oran McNulty in the air and then conceded a further try.
From the resultant penalty, Ireland secured the lineout before driving over with replacement hooker McKee grounding the ball.
Despite being a man down Scotland pushed for a try bonus point and got it as Scott darted over at the death.
