Scotland 10
Ireland 40
JOE Schmidt’s Ireland produced a clinical performance at Murrayfield to secure a vital victory which proved to be sufficient to earn the RBS Six Nations championship again.
With Wales winning so emphatically against Italy in Rome Ireland were under pressure, but they stayed cool and calm on a day loaded with drama.
An early Paul O’Connell try set the tone as Johnny Sexton kicked the conversion and a penalty to edge the visitors 10 points clear.
Greig Laidlaw replied with a penalty for Scotland before the excellent Sean O’Brien touched down for an Irish try.
A Finn Russell try gave Scotland hope, but Sexton nailed a penalty as Ireland went in at the break armed with a 20-10 lead.
Jared Payne crossed for a third try before O’Brien added his second of the afternoon as Ireland claimed an important success.
There was some late tension when Jamie Heaslip made a crucial tackle to deny Stuart Hogg in the closing stages.
The action then switched to Twickenham where England had to defeat France by 26 points and another absorbing encounter followed.
Despite playing a thrilling brand of rugby England eventually emerged 55-35 winners, but Ireland's own triumph over Scotland was enough to retain the Six Nations title.
