Watch - Peter O'Mahony throws away his own boot during match

Down through the years, there’s been plenty of occasions on the professional rugby pitch where player’s have resorted to throwing opposition boots off the pitch – often into row Z of the stand.

Some frown on it, while others see it as bit of competitiveness gamesmanship that makes rugby the sport it is.

Howwever Ireland backrow Peter O’Mahoney, who won man of the match yesterday in Murrayfield yesterday, has turned the practice on its head, instead choosing to throw his own shoe off the pitch.

His shoe got ripped off at a ruck, presumable thanks to the stray boot of a player. O’Mahony tries to get it back on but thinks better of it as the ball emerges on the Irish side of the ruck, and instead decides to throw his own boot off the pitch.

No boot?
No problem!

Peter O'Mahony! ??#SCOvIRE #VMTVRugby #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/60e6zHv1LT

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 9, 2019

One of the most competitive animals in the international game, the flanker’s abrasive edge wouldn’t allow him just leave the boot on the pitch. He had to throw it off, even if it was his own.

It was a moment of light relief in what was an otherwise gruelling encounter in the Scottish capital.

Conor Murray, Jacob Stockdale and Keith Earls all crossed for Ireland, while Sam Johnson replied for Scotland with Greig Laidlaw posting eight points from the boot.

Conor Murray capitalised on a mix-up between Tommy Seymour and Sean Maitland to score the opening try after Greig Laidlaw put Gregor Townsend’s side in front, while Jacob Stockdale added a second for the visitors.

Stuart Hogg went off with a shoulder injury in an open first half, yet a first international score from Sam Johnson – converted by Laidlaw – reduced the deficit to 12-10 at the break.

Joe Schmidt’s men were not to be denied a fifth win in Six Nations matches against Scotland, though, with Joey Carbery – standing in for the talismanic Sexton at fly-half – laying on a try for Keith Earls and also scoring five points with the boot.

Laidlaw added another penalty midway through the second half, but that was all Scotland were able to muster after the break as they failed to build on an opening win over Italy.