The China Mail - Ireland win Triple Crown but miss out on Six Nations title

Tommy O'Brien scored two of Ireland's six tries at Lansdowne Road as the Irish ended Scotland's own bid for the title and the Triple Crown.

Ireland's 12th successive win over Scotland left them three points ahead of reigning champions France, who kicked off several hours later at home to England in the final game of the tournament.

And with England leading 46-45 and 80 minutes played at the Stade de France, the Irish were moments away from being crowned champions before Thomas Ramos's nerveless penalty sealed a 48-46 title-winning triumph for Les Bleus with the last kick of a thrilling contest.

Ireland were quick out of the blocks in Dublin, with Jamie Osborne going over in the third minute for his fourth try in successive Tests.

Jack Crowley, who had produced the decisive pass for Osborne, knocked over the conversion.

Scotland struck back almost immediately, 19 phases of play ending with Blair Kinghorn finding Darcy Graham on the wing and he went over in the right hand corner.

Finn Russell converted to reach the 300-point mark in the Six Nations.

There had been serious questions posed about Crowley's kicking -- both at the posts and line kicking -- but he pinged a penalty to touch within metres of the Scottish line.

From the resulting line-out Dan Sheehan, fresh from sitting out the Wales game, went over. Crowley converted for 14-7.

Robert Baloucoune is known as 'The Cat' and the Ulster wing showed some deft footwork to score Ireland's third try, after a terrific long pass by Stuart McCloskey.

Baloucoune, one of the stars of the tournament, managed to ground the ball before his feet went into touch.

Crowley's conversion was wide but the hosts were 19-7 up and one try away from a bonus point before the 20-minute mark.

Scotland twice went into the Irish 22m area and both times the hosts turned the ball over -- Tom O'Toole doing brilliantly to rob Kinghorn of the ball -- and on a third occasion the Irish won a penalty.

The Scottish backline was also not the smooth operating machine it had been against the French and Sione Tuipulotu's knock-on right on half-time summed up a misfiring first period.

The second half began at the same frenetic pace.

The Scots laid siege on the Irish line, the home side finally cracking as Russell sliced through for his 11th try for his country. Russell converted for 19-14.

Back came the Irish and over went Darragh Murray, just minutes after coming on for his Six Nations debut, which was converted by Crowley for 26-14.

The Scots, however, just would not let the hosts ease up, storming back with Rory Darge charging over. Russell converted to make it a five-point game again.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell threw on several pairs of fresh legs with 15 minutes remaining, including Bundee Aki returning after missing the first three matches because he was suspended.

Aki made his mark immediately, playing a key role in a superb move which climaxed with O'Brien going over. Crowley converted for 33-21 with 12 minutes remaining.

Crowley had been excellent in defence and offence, and took a brilliant contested catch which had Farrell on his feet.

He then slotted over a penalty for 36-21.

The Scots pressed hard but the Irish defence held magnificently and forced the visitors into an infringement on their line with minutes remaining.

There was still time for the Irish to cap a fine display as another loose Russell pass ended with O'Brien showing his searing pace to go over for his eighth try in nine Tests.

Crowley -- with the Fields of Athenry ringing round the ground -- converted superbly and ran to embrace his teammates.

F.Brown--ThChM