Peter O'Mahony was a slight surprise in the starting lineup against Scotland yesterday, but a welcome one nonetheless.

The niggle between the two sides was only increased with his presence, and as we know all too well, the Munster talisman relishes these occasions.

He backed up his selection with a fine performance, full of grit and breakdown steals.

When he was substituted off during the 32-18 win the home crowd let him know their opinion of him, but O'Mahony responded in kind with a cheeky Instagram post today.

He wrote: "Always great to win in an Irish jersey but particularly in Murrayfield.

"I’d like to say a special thanks to the crowd yesterday for the boos coming off the pitch. 

"One of the biggest compliments I’ve ever received. Thank you."

 The RTÉ punditry panel for Ireland's victory over Scotland was interrupted by a pitch invader doing press-ups and dancing behind.

The panel, which included presenter Jacqui Hurley and pundits Stephen Ferris, Jim Hamilton, and Jamie Heaslip, looked on bemused as the man made his presence felt at Murrayfield.

"Sorry, I am laughing listening to you because, look at your man, he has managed to get himself onto the pitch busting a few moves," Hurley said.

"He did two press-ups," Hamilton said.

The man was escorted from the pitch and the RTÉ panel continued their broadcast.

After a player-of-the-match performance, Ireland out-half Sam Prendergast was in high spirits speaking with the RTÉ crew after the game.

The young half-back came in for criticism during the week following a poor showing off the tee against England last Saturday, during which he went one from three, including an easy miss.

He was much better this afternoon, kicking five from six, including a couple of difficult ones, although there was another easy miss.

He was asked by former Scottish international Jim Hamilton about the impact of Johnny Sexton, who has been working with the No 10s in Ireland camp.

Prendergast said: "He's been unreal.

"I've said it many times, but I've never got to experience too much of him actually playing, like with him.

"So it's just been unbelievable to chat to him about so many situations, whether it's kicking, general play.

"I think he's done a lot for my kicking in terms of the mentality around it."

Ireland win 32-18

Player ratings:

1. Andrew Porter - 8.5

2. Rónan Kelleher - 6.5

3. Finlay Bealham - 7.5

4. James Ryan - 7

5. Tadhg Beirne - 8

6. Peter O'Mahony - 7

7. Josh van der Flier - 7.5

8. Caelan Doris - 7.5

9. Jamison Gibson-Park - 9

10. Sam Prendergast - 8.5

11. James Lowe - 8.5

12. Bundee Aki - 7

13. Robbie Henshaw - 7

14. Calvin Nash - 7

15. Hugo Keenan - 7.5

Replacements:

16. Dan Sheehan - 5.5

17. Cian Healy - 6

18. Tom Clarkson - 6

19. Ryan Baird - 6

20. Jack Conan - 7.5

21. Conor Murray - 6.5

22. Jack Crowley - 7

23. Garry Ringrose - 7

With the win and bonus point in the bag, Ireland opt for three points.

It's between the 10m line and the half way, straight in front of the posts.

Prendergast slots it.

Ireland 32 Scotland 11

70 minutes gone

Out of nothing, with slow ball, Gibson-Park puts over a cheeky box kick into the Scottish 22.

It bounces kindly for Hugo Keenan and Ireland get advantage for a tackle in the air.

Ireland send it out wide and Jack Conan barrels over.

Prendergast misses an easy conversion.

Ireland 29 Scotland 11

60 minutes gone

Ireland win the restart and keep Ireland pinned down in their own half.

A deft chip from Gibson-Park results in a five-metre scrum, and minutes later, James Lowe bursts over.

Prendergast converts.

Ireland 24 Scotland 11

Blair Kinghorn adds a second penalty for the Scots after half-time.

Ireland did brilliantly not to concede a try.

They need to stop the momentum shift, before the home side and crowd take over.

Ireland 17 Scotland 11

50 minutes gone

With (second) last play of the Duhan van der Merwe finishes brilliantly in the corner after a superb offload from Stafford McDowell.

Blair Kinghorn misses the conversion as the sides go in for half-time.

Ireland 17 Scotland 5

31 minutes.

After more sustained pressure, captain Caelan Doris goes over from close range and does well to avoid being held up.

Prendergast nails a good conversion.

Ireland 17 Scotland 0