Irish clinch Triple Crown and keep title race alive

The race for the Six Nations title will go down to the final game after Ireland secured their first Triple Crown in four years with a win over Scotland.

If France lose to England in Paris on Saturday night, Andy Farrell's side will win the title.

Josh van der Flier, Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray all scored tries in the victory over Scotland.

Pierre Schoeman registered Scotland's only score.

The defeat ends another disappointing tournament for the team, one that started so brightly with a brilliant win over England, in which they are set for a fourth-placed finish unless England suffer a heavy defeat against France.

France knows a victory over the English will give them a first Grand Slam since 2010.

Farrell wins first trophy as head coach

The Triple Crown, Ireland's sixth since the turn of the century, is Farrell's first piece of silverware since being elevated from assistant coach to the top job after the World Cup.

He has overseen the reinvention of Ireland's attack, which initially was bumpy, but has blossomed into a recognisable and fruitful system.

It is not always free-flowing, but it has resulted in 12 wins for Ireland in the past 13 games.

It was an imperfect display against Scotland as they struggled to find the edge and stretch the visiting defence.

The hosts took control of the game in the first half with quick ball and aggressive carrying.

The Irish scrum held up well despite the fact that they had conceded six penalties last week.

The hooker peeling away from a rolling maul for the opener after 17 minutes was the final touch to the two opening tries.

After strong carries from Jack Conan and Sheehan, he burrowed over for the second time.

While Ireland dominated the first half, the last 10 minutes belonged to Scotland and they were able to get a route back into the contest as Schoeman profited from some excellent counter-ruck to put his side on the board.

More to come.