Declan Kidney was aware just how lucky Ireland were in their 22-15 RBS 6 Nations win over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The Irish head coach was not pleased with his side's first half performance, in which indiscipline led to four Scottish penalties. Ireland went in only 12-9 in arrears, but had Brian O'Driscoll to thank for a try-saving tackle to prevent Scotland storming ahead.
The second half was a different story, with Jamie Heaslip's try and Ronan O'Gara's form in front of the posts crucial in giving Ireland a win.
"I told the players at half-time that we were helping to keep Scotland in the game by giving away field position and penalties," said Kidney.
"We were making it difficult for ourselves but it was much better in the second half. It was not overly pretty but we are delighted because it is difficult to come here."
For his part, O'Gara was happy to put his poor kicking performance against England firmly in the past.
"I felt awful after the England match and those two weeks before this game were a long wait," he told the BBC after the game. "I have had bad days before but I keep coming back and that is the most important thing I think."
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