The China Mail - Ireland outlast Scotland to stay on course for Six Nations Grand Slam

Johnny Sexton's seven points with the boot equalled Ronan O'Gara's record as the all-time top scorer in the Six Nations, while Mack Hansen, James Lowe and Jack Conan scored tries as Scotland were denied a first Triple Crown since 1990.

Ireland still have work to do just to win the title, though, as the failure to land a bonus point for the first time in this year's Championship means they need to beat England in Dublin on Saturday to ensure they cannot be caught by France.

Andy Farrell had the luxury of welcoming back a host of star names to a side that has not lost since the first match of an ultimately victorious tour to New Zealand last July.

Tadhg Furlong made his first appearance of the Championship, while captain Sexton and Garry Ringrose, on his 50th cap, were back from injuries that kept them out of victory away to Italy three weeks ago.

Scotland were also confident after running France close in Paris and recording victories over England and Wales, but the hosts nearly had a suicidal start.

A wayward lineout on their own line allowed Dan Sheehan to power over for what seemed to be the game's first try.

However, Scotland escaped on a technicality as they had not used the same ball for the restart, meaning the lineout was retaken.

Ireland were soon camped back on the Scottish line but only came away with three points as Sexton kicked over a penalty from close range.

Scotland were clinical with their first period of possession in Irish territory as swift hands from Sione Tuipulotu fed Huw Jones to run in his fourth try of the Championships under the posts and Finn Russell added the conversion.

Ireland did not trail for long thanks to a brilliant finish from Hansen to touch down in the corner from Hugo Keenan's looping pass before he was forced into touch by Duhan van der Merwe.

The flying Scottish winger's best work is normally done in the opposition's 22 but Van der Merwe was guilty in going for glory himself with two teammates outside begging for a pass as the Irish defence scrambled back into position to win the penalty.

The visitors should have been more than 8-7 up at half-time after Lowe sliced through the heart of Scotland's midfield.

But Ireland twice turned down a simple three points to go for the corner only to then lose their own lineout due to Ronan Kelleher's overthrow.

A scintillating first 40 minutes gave way to a scrappy start to the second with neither side able to sustain attacking momentum.

However, Ireland pulled away in the final half hour.

Hansen's leap and catch to meet Jamison Gibson-Park's box kick set up a concerted spell of pressure before Lowe wriggled clear to finish in the corner.

Sexton kicked the conversion and also added the extras after Conan was released by Hansen's pass to score Ireland's third try to equal his predecessor O'Gara on 557 Six Nations points.

Farrell then replaced his skipper to potentially save the record-breaking moment for what should be a weekend of celebration when England, who were thrashed 53-10 by France on Saturday, visit the Aviva.

Ireland should have had the bonus point to round off another fine performance but James Ryan lost the ball forward with Lowe in support in sight of the line.

D.Pan--ThChM