RUGBY ROUND-UP:Ireland's chances of winning the Under-20 Six Nations were blown apart at McDiarmid Park in Perth last night as Scotland secured a 35-20 win.

The home side were 15-3 ahead at the break with man of the match Henry Pygos and Struan Dewar going over for tries, while Robbie McGowan added a penalty and conversion.

Further tries from Chris Fusaro and Stuart McInally put the game beyond Ireland’s reach. Replacement prop Adam Macklin and Dave Kearney did get over for the visitors.

The Ireland women’s team booked automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup as they shutout Scotland 23-0 in Edinburgh last night.

Fullback Niamh Briggs got over for a try and landed two penalties to give Ireland an 11-0 advantage at the break.

Steven Hennessy’s side continued their dominance on the restart, when Tania Rosser going over from 30 metres out for Briggs to add the extras.

With victory in the bag, Ireland eased off in the third quarter before Lynne Cantwell got over for their fourth try with ten minutes to go.

Scotland had the upper hand in the club international at Myreside in Edinburgh, running out convincing 31-18 winners over their Irish counterparts.

Ireland fought back from Fraser Harkness’ eighth-minute try to end the half on level terms at 11-11 thanks to a try from Dolphin flanker Barry O’Mahony and a penalty from outhalf and clubmate Barry Keeshan.

Harkness went over for his second try at the start of the second period, but Ireland found a quick reply with Kevin Moran being driven over, with Keeshan adding the extras.

But that was to be their last score as Martyn got over, while Scott Wight added two further penalties to finish with a personal haul of 16 points.

A hat-trick of tries from centre Darragh Fanning helped Irish Colleges to a comfortable 36-11 victory over Scotland Universities at Hawthornden near Edinburgh.

Max Rantz-McDonald added two tries of his own for the Irish side, while Ben Reilly also got over for a five-pointer.