Braveheart Toner returns as Ireland keep out the Scots

It's never over until it's over. Devin Toner returned to action for Ireland in the Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium today and in the process resurrected an international career that looked to be over. 

The 33-year-old Moynalvey Braveheart came on as a 66th minute substitute and played his part as Ireland held out against the marauding, energised Scots to record a very hard-earned 19-12 victory. 

It looked like Toner's career at the highest level was over when former coach Joe Schmidt dropped him for the World Cup in Japan in the Autumn.

However, the Meathman took the blow on the chin, knuckled down and made a comeback to match Lazarus. He was selected on the panel for the Six Nations and was promoted to the bench for today's game. 

His comeback was completed when he got the nod to take his place on the field and earn his 68th cap. He jogged onto the pitch to a rousing reception from the home support. Instead of over and done with his international career had merely moved into another phase. 

Ireland were on the back-foot for much of this encounter against an aggressive, in-your-face Scottish side but with Johnny Sexton getting scores from penalties and a first-half try, the home side built up enough credit to see them secure a win.

Ireland were helped by some woeful indiscipline by the visitors who conceded a series of needless penalties. Ireland led 10-6 at the break but the Scots simply wouldn't go away in the second-half. 

The Irish forwards suffered with the physicality of their opponents and struggled to deal with the pace of players such a Stuart Hogg and Hamish Watson. 

Andy Farrell's team were under extreme pressure in the closing stages but with Toner & Co digging in the hungry, marauding Scots were held back.

Meath Gaelic footballers were once renowned for comebacks but Toner showed the tradition is still alive and well in the Royal County.