Ireland bolster hopes of third straight Six Nations title by dominating Scotland

IRELAND bolstered their hopes of a third successive Six Nations title as they made it 11 wins in a row over Scotland with a ruthless bonus-point 32-18 triumph at Murrayfield.
The Scots endured a disastrous first half in which they allowed the dominant Irish to build a 17-0 lead through tries from Calvin Nash and captain Caelan Doris while also losing three of their most influential backs: Duhan van der Merwe to a yellow card, and both talismanic co-captain Finn Russell and wing Darcy Graham to head injuries.
Scotland rallied just before and just after half-time, with a Van der Merwe try and two Blair Kinghorn penalties bringing the hosts back to within six points at 17-11.
More from this author

Ben Cowles speaks with IAN ‘TREE’ ROBINSON and ANDY DAVIES, two of the string pullers behind the Manchester Punk Festival, ahead of its 10th year show later this month

Ben Cowles previews his interview with Stand Up to Racism’s SABBY DHALU for the Morning Star’s new Youtube channel