Ireland 43-21 Scotland recap - Hosts seal triple crown and give themselves chance of Six Nations title with comprehensive victory

Ireland eventually beat Scotland by 22 points in a pulsating encounter to seal the triple crown and give them an outside chance of taking the Six Nations championship.

Irish eyes will be fixed on events in Paris, hoping that usual enemies England can do them the biggest favour and beat France to hand Andy Farrell's side the championship.

This match began in breathtaking fashion with three tries in the first 11 minutes. Darcy Graham's try for Scotland was sandwiched by those of Jamie Osbourne and Dan Sheehan for the hosts.

Robert Baloucoune's score just before the mid-point gave Ireland a comfortable margin at the break but twice Scotland moved the margin to within five points when Finn Russell and Rory Darge scored tries.

However, on each occasion Ireland went down the other end and put Scotland under pressure. First Darragh Murray scored and then Tommy O'Brien touched down, with the winger scoring again on the stroke of full-time to give the scoreline an unfair gloss.

A fantastic effort from Ireland. Three tries in either half gave them a 22-point victory in the end. Two late tries from Tommy O'Brien enabled them to hold off Scotland's comeback in the second half.

Another fine conversion, one of many in this 80 minutes, ends the match.

A harsh scoreline for Scotland now. With the visitors waiting for the final whistle, McCloskey's clever offload sets up the flying winger to race all the way down the left wing to score.

Russell kicked to the corner and after getting close with the maul following the line out, Scotland gave everything to get on the board to give themselves a glimmer of hope. But a knock on near the right corner flag ends that.

The first penalty kicked at goal. Not the time to kick to the corner now. Crowley splits the uprights to move the margin beyond two converted tries.

The margin is back to 12 and Ireland look set to win their 12th straight game against Scotland.

Another great try. Ake bursts inside the 22 and then Gibson-Park quickly offloads and Crowley's short pass releases O'Brien to run through for another five-pointer.

It is being fiercely contested in the middle of the field at present. Which side can win the arm wrestle and gain control in the closing stages?

An easier kick this time for Russell who makes no mistake.

What a game. Befitting of the great tournament this has been. After more quick rucks to tire out the defence., Gilchrist with great quick hands to release Darge who raced through to touchdown.

The lead is restored to 12 points.

Once again after Scotland scored, Ireland piled on pressure. And after 15 phases within touching distance of the line, replacement forward Murray ploughs just over the line.

Another fantastic conversion for Russell, again from the right touchline.

It took 12 phases within five metres of the line, but after a good ramming run from Gilchrist, White passes to his scrum half who dives over the line.

The referee gives the infringement for a high contact and he checks whether there was any intent in it, but after a quick interaction with the TMO the game moves on. As always in this match, the ball is kicked to the corner for a line out.

After 12 phases, Byrne steals the ball in the ruck and Ireland take control on their 22.

With lots of quick rucks they are forcing Ireland to defend the full width of the field.

It lost it's potency as the match wore on but what a breathless opening it was - with Ireland getting the better of it and now they have a platform to win the game.