3 talking points as Scotland see Triple Crown dream brought crashing down by Ireland in Six Nations thumping

Scotland's hopes of winning the Six Nations title for the first time were dashed as table-toppers Ireland proved too strong at Murrayfield during a 22-7 win.

Scots centre Huw Jones got the first try of the day, but the visitors hit back before half-time then dominated the second 40. Gregor Townsend’s side would have lifted the Triple Crown if they had won, as well as staying in contention for the Championship with just one round of games to go. Instead, it is Ireland who take the Crown and are now just 80 minutes away from claiming the title too.

A fiercely-fought first half saw Richie Gray go off injured after just seven minutes - and three Irishmen followed him before half an hour had been played. The visitors thought they had opened the scoring when they won a Scotland lineout and Dan Sheehan touched down. But the ref ruled that Scotland had thrown in with the long ball, so the score was chalked off.

Ireland opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a penalty from captain Johnny Sexton. But Scotland hit back when Huw Jones touched down from a pass by Glasgow team-mate Sione Tuipulotu. Finn Russell’s conversion made it 7-3.

A Mack Hansen try in the right corner put the Irish back in front - replays showed the winger just touched down before being tackled into touch by Duhan van der Merwe. Sexton missed the conversion. Scotland had chances to regain the lead late in the half, but the Irish defence kept them out to hold on to an 8-7 advantage at the break.

Ireland still had the upper hand in the early stages of the second half, but they were not able to make the pressure count. Scotland came back into the match more as the hour mark approached - but their attacks, too, were snuffed out before they could get close to