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Ireland beats Scotland but loses FB Geordan Murphy

Fullback Geordan Murphy will miss the Rugby World Cup after breaking his leg in Ireland's 29-10 win over Scotland on Saturday.

Murphy landed awkwardly under Mike Blair's tackle midway through the first half, and was taken off on a stretcher to hospital, where it was confirmed he'd broken his left tibia.

"His recent form has been fantastic," Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said. "The World Cup stage was made for him and I really believed he was going to be a star.

"His speed, agility and distribution are all world class, and I am so sad for him. World Cups only come round every four years and it would have been the peak of his career. It just shows how cruel professional sport can be."

Murphy's injury is the second blow in two days before the Irish World Cup squad is announced on Sunday. British Lions and Munster center Rob Henderson ruptured a bicep in a game Friday.

Scotland wing Chris Paterson opened the scoring Saturday with a penalty after missing two. Ronan O'Gara equalized after Scotland lock Nathan Hines was sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate infringement.

Hines was further punished when Ireland midfielder Kevin Maggs collected O'Gara's pass and pushed through for the first converted try and a 10-3 halftime lead.

Ireland went ahead 15-3 after 54 minutes when Denis Hickie took Keith Wood's short pass, rounded the Scottish defense and held off Simon Webster to score beside the corner flag. After the video referee approved the try, O'Gara missed the touchline conversion.

Winger Anthony Horgan busted two tackles to add the third converted try, and flanker David Wallace ran 20 meters for the fourth Irish try nine minutes from time.

Simon Webster scored for Scotland in injury time.
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