Ireland enjoyed 65% and 70% territory through that first half but trail 0-5 thanks to Elis Martin’s 8th minute score.
Scott Bemand’s side were denied a vital platform from their shaky line-out having been turned over in key positions.
Handling errors, for both sides, were a factor too in a half that featured a deluge in the early stages.
Scotland showed the value of taking your opportunities having rarely threatened beyond their score but Ireland will feel a significant victory is there for them is they ally the pressure of the first half with a greater accuracy in the second.