Ireland stay in Six Nations title race with thrilling 43-21 win over Scotland

DUBLIN, March 14 : Ireland remained in the Six Nations hunt with a riveting 43-21 bonus-point win over Scotland that ended their opponents' hopes and left Andy Farrell's men needing a favour from England in France later on Saturday to secure a third title in four years.

With both teams in contention for the title at the start, the Super Saturday opener did not disappoint with the sides sharing three tries in the first 10 minutes before the ruthless Irish took control to lead 19-7 at halftime. 

Three rapid-fire tries midway through the second half cut th We deficit to five points but two Tommy O'Brien tries ended the visitors' hopes of a first title in 27 years, and extended Ireland's winning run over the Scots to 12 games.

The bonus point moved Ireland three clear of France but with a large points difference deficit they either need England to win in Paris for the first time in a decade or avoid the unlikely scenario of a draw in which France add a four-try bonus point.

"It's a rare day that we're cheering them (England) on," said Ireland captain and player of the match ⁠Caelan Doris.

"We saw what their attack was capable of last week, it felt like our defence stood up really well today and I thought we took our chances really well."

TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS

Though coming in on the highest of highs following last week's magnificent victory over France, Scotland last won in Dublin at nearby Croke Park in 2010. Before that it was at the rickety old Lansdowne Road in 1998, when current coach Gregor Townsend was in the side.

They had never won at the Aviva Stadium, where the giddy buildup meant there was little sign of the recent muted atmosphere, particularly in an explosive start when Jamie Osborne went over after three minutes with a